As the countdown to the Olympics continues, my initial reluctance at hosting the Games in my city seems to mature into something a little more nuanced. This time last summer, I was definitely set on fleeing the oncoming onslaught of visitors, crowds, and general pandemonium that comes with being an Olympic host city. My Paris apartment was destined for some ridiculous Airbnb listing, and myself was not even supposed to be in the city at any point during the competition. My plans changed, though, when my friends back in the US persuaded me to leave them with a roof over their heads.
The buzz is everywhere; the chatter is about the Olympics. Since the crack of dawn, I have been thinking whether my reaction was a bit too early. The Olympics are truly a landmark feat where sports skills and cultural exchange are purified on an international scale. It might be most exciting to see Paris completely changed, humming with international affairs and jubilant ceremonies, but the idea that I could possibly be part of such a huge historic event is something else.
Deciding to host the Olympics is not an affair taken less seriously. It involves incredible planning for infrastructure development and quite an awesome requirement for coordination. To a city like Paris, the Olympics will just be an opportunity to present her beauty, culture, and warmth to the global community. The whole scenario guarantees this event for the potential boon of tourism, economic benefits, and pride within the country.
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The excitement, however, is tempered by the reality that the games bring with them some logistical issues and disruptions. From traffic congestion and crowded public spaces to temporary changes in local routines and services for all ages and affinity groups, such an event may certainly strike many as an imposing influence on daily life. The rising demand for accommodation, considering the increase in foreigners, might be burdensome on the local resources and could, in fact, render a setting that is quite overwhelming to residents.
Last summer, these concerns had me entertaining the idea of capitalizing on the Olympic surge and listing my apartment on Airbnb at an exorbitant rate. The idea of leaving the city was also very appealing because the idea of rental accommodation seemed like the best solution to the hustle and bustle associated with the Olympics. As the event approaches, the excitement and energy around the Olympics have made me reconsider my earlier determination.
It became especially stronger after my change of thinking, mainly due to my friends from America, who were really dying for the Games to materialize in real life. Their enthusiasm, which kept them waiting, reminded me of the fact that hosting the Games itself is a unique experience with the people worldwide and witnessing the world-class performances on sport and participating in its celebrations.
