P.O.D.

Post-Olympic Depression

I've been suffering since 12:30 AM BST Monday at the conclusion of Closing Ceremonies. I have many fond memories and even more pictures to whittle down to "the keepers". So bare with me. I will post the highlights.

Overall I'd say London 2012 was more than I, or almost anyone who was here, expected. The volunteers were highly trained in hospitality with smiles and friendly "hellos" at every pass. It felt more like Southern hospitality than British hospitality. Perhaps they were wearing hidden Coca-Cola IVs? The weather even cooperated for the second half of the Games! Cabbies didn't have much to complain about as the traffic was lighter than normal. Public transport ran really well too. And spectators were patient and jovial about the entire experience.

Much like Atlanta in 1996, London was a 2 week long party! She really was at her very best! So now we're dealing with the hangover.

Always looking on the bright side, the Paralympics start on the 29th. Hope to score seats to a few events but again tickets are hard to find.

Opening Ceremonies

Let the Games begin!

Laura arrived Friday morning from Raleigh. After a nap and freshening up, we went to a friend's flat near Hyde Park for an American pre-party. Our hosts were fellow Miami alumni. Allyson had quite the American spread... homemade fried chicken, adorable cookie and pretzel dumbbells, Chex Party Mix (harder to find that you would think) and mint juleps. Leave it to me to bring British alcohol, Pimm's, a Summer staple! We really got into the spirit courtesy of an American medley of "Born in the USA" and "Proud to be an American".

Then a quick stroll down to Hyde Park for the BT London Live Concert. Each of the 4 musical acts represented different countries of the UK: Paolo Nutini for Scotland, Duran Duran for England, Sterophonics for Wales and Snow Patrol for Ireland. At 20:12 at Olympic Park, the RAF Red Arrows flyover took place. A few moments later, they soared across Hyde Park leaving in their path a stream of red, white and blue.

The Opening Ceremony was broadcast live on numerous big screens. During the Parade of Nations portion, Snow Patrol performed. We missed Team USA's entrance (but caught that online this morning). Snow Patrol did take a break for Team GB's parade to be shown and the remainder of the Ceremony was broadcast live. Amazing energy to be with 80,000 people celebrating the start of the Games!