After an easy trip from Brussels this morning, I’ve made it to my first event, and it was a good one. Was lucky to attend the Men’s Gymnastics Finals at Bercy Arena this afternoon. The USA team took their first medal (a Bronze) since 2008. Japan won gold and China took silver in an exciting competition that came down to the last rotation.

I’d never attended a gymnastics event before and quickly picked up on the action, which is happening concurrently all over the floor. The nations work through rotations on all six apparatuses, scoring points for their teams. There was a large contingent of fans from the USA, Japan, China and Canada. And the Ukraine team deservedly had the crowd’s support too.

Some things I’ve noticed on my first day in Paris for the games:

1. It is clear and easy to get to venues from any train or metro station. Paris has done a great job putting signage together, even footsteps on the floor to guide you to particular lines

2. Traffic in central Paris is much less than it had been on my previous visits to the city. A lot of locals seem to have left town for the two weeks. It’s been easy to cross streets and the neighborhood I’m in is pretty quiet (9th arrondissement near St Lazare station)

3. There is a very visible security presence. I’ve felt very comfortable anywhere I’ve gone so far.

4. Paris is probably not equipped for the heat which is coming tomorrow. It’s expected to reach 97F. The Bercy Arena was quite stuffy. Luckily, my hotel definitely believes in good air-conditioning.

5. Transport is easy. I purchased a 7-day pass on my iPhone this morning, so all I need is to tap my phone to board the metro and trains. Luckily St Lazare is convenient to many of the lines I’ll need to take this week.

A great first day, thrilled to be in this city for my first Olympics 😁