CARTAN Global Tours were the sole Olympic ticket sellers to most Caribbean islands, Central America and some South American countries, as well as New Zealand. Tuesday was the first day spectators could collect their tickets, which were waiting for us at the All Seasons Southwark Rose Hotel in London.

Upon arrival, there were two long lines -- one for those who had purchased tickets online, and simply needed to collect, and the other for those who wished to buy any remaining tickets. The whole process was quickly and efficiently executed, making the waiting time minimal, especially for those who had already bought their tickets.

Everyone there was in a good mood, and although the shining sun helped, I think if it had been pouring with rain, people would have been just as excited to collect their Olympic tickets! Imagine holding your dream in your hands. I remember sitting on my sofa in the early morning, with my Olympic partner Anya Schnoor, four years ago, watching the Olympics in Beijing. The two of us vowed that we would not be missing the next Olympics, no matter what. So said......