London's parks offer unique treats

While thousands of Londoners have been lucky enough to scalp a ticket to the Olympic Park, many other thousands have seen their dreams of watching high-quality live sport shattered. Ticketing issues related to empty VIP seats in various Olympic stadiums have been a recurring issue of debate between the International Olympic Committee, the media and the British Olympic Committee.
But while the chances of getting a ticket is similar to finding a four-leaf clover, the beauty of London is it's many alternative measures to enjoy an experience.
London's parks, long feted as must-visits for any tourist to the city, have been transformed for the Olympics into a medley of sporting activity. Hyde Park hosted the triathlon on Saturday and played host to a superb competition that achieved a photo finish amidst a superb atmosphere generated by the fans who had flocked to the venue for a chance of free action.
But even if live action is not exactly as forthcoming, Londoners have the ability to enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games on big screens at iconic locations for free.
BT London Live, an initiative of British Telecom, is currently screening all the action from the Olympic Games at two of London's most popular parks -- Hyde Park and Victoria Park.
The live sites provide a great place to soak up the Olympic atmosphere in London. As well as the screenings, the sites offer live music, interactive sport zones and even free chocolate.
Hyde Park is also hosting free music gigs by top acts including Will Young, The Levellers, Alexandra Burke, Dodgy and McFly. It's also home to Cadbury House, where visitors can sample and find out more about the famous Cadbury chocolate.
Victoria Park in East London is also offering live music every day and lots of fun activities including a zipline, bungee trampolines, zorbing and a 55-metre observation wheel. There's also a programme of cultural activities including theatre, comedy and magic shows.
But best of all is that both sites are free and unticketed.
All one has to do is just turn up on the day with a chair and a drink. And presto, a fun-filled day of sport, sweets and Olympic action.