Let the Games Begin

It was a morning of telly watching, as we, and millions around the world, sat glued to the TV watching the spectacle of the opening ceremony for the 30th Olympiad.  And what a spectacle it was, with the stadium decked as England’s “green and pleasant land”.  The “dark satanic mills” of the Industrial Revolution rose up dramatically and belched smoke as the poor downtrodden workers toiled away making money for the rich businessmen.  The centuries rolled on, with everything from votes for women and the National Health Service. 

One of the many highlights would have to be James Bond aka Daniel Craig 007 arrive at Buckingham Palace by black cab to meet Her Majesty.  He escorted her to a patriotically-decorated helicopter before they flew off and both appeared to parachute into the Olympic Stadium a few miles away in East London.  At the exact moment the "daredevils" reached the ground, Her Majesty appeared in the stadium wearing an identical salmon-coloured dress as the parachutist, to a standing ovation.

We watched as the athletes from different countries filed into the stadium, eagerly waiting for New Zealand's entry.  At last, here they are, led by runner Nick Willis clad in a beautiful traditional Maori cloak.

Reuters photo

The last performance of the ceremony was by Paul McCartney (Jenny’s favourite Beatle since she was a teenager) and he had the whole crowd getting into the party mood as they sang along to the vintage Beatle’s number, “Hey Jude”.  A fantastic firework display was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful opening ceremony.  London – you can hold your head up high.

Photo credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images

One of the benefits of now being retired is the opportunity to watch as much (or as little) of the Olympic Games as we want, without work getting in the way.  Robin is quite the sport nut, so he will be happy for hours.  I am more selective, and rather enjoy watching the athletics and the gymnastics.  You can be sure that we will both be glued to the rowing, as the Kiwis excel in this discipline.   Let the games begin!