The Dogmother Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Just had call from The Boy, who is down in London today - he'd cycled over to the Olympic stadium and was standing outside waiting for the Red Arrows flypast. 'Plug the TV in and put it on number 1 ' he said 'the Red Arrows are about to fly past' so I saw them on the TV and heard them through his phone too. He said that that atmosphere was electric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 My boys are surfing in wales - saw the red arrows arrive after flying over Ireland at lunchtime = they told me they were headed South Sorry should maybe have shared. A Hercules has also taken off - if coming down possibly falcons skydive? The Royal Jetstream has also been in and out, possible picking up Wills Eldest brother went to rehersal as involved in keeping the games safe But I will not spoil - he said it is good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Just watching the sporting teams coming out now. 2 things struck me... why do they all look so scruffy? The Greek team had their jackets undone and flapping about. why are they all holding up their phones and cameras? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 27, 2012 Author Share Posted July 27, 2012 I thought that was a brilliant bit of entertainment. It showcased our history, our weird sense of humour and it was not sugar coated. I'm normally bored to tears by opening ceremonies but this was so lively and honest, and to think I wasn't going to watch it. YS is there at work, I hope he gets to see some of it. Mitt Romney was so very wrong, beat that, Britain is on the outside edge and that is why it works. Danny Boyle got it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Saw the Olympic torch twice this week. Once on the road and once going down to Tower Bridge on the river. It was very moving and the sense of community was amazing! Off to look round the Olympic Park tomorrow, hope the trains aren't too busy! Seeing a Paralympic equestrian event in September. Just watched the opening ceremony - almost 4 hours of it! Was glued to the TV. It was quite amazing and made me very proud of our country. DD is working at the Olympic park tonight (goodness knows what time she will manage to get home) she is enjoying it so much she is going to ask if they can offer her some more shifts! Lets just sit back and enjoy the Olympics - they are here whether we like it or not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I thought that was a brilliant bit of entertainment. It showcased our history, our weird sense of humour and it was not sugar coated. I'm normally bored to tears by opening ceremonies but this was so lively and honest, and to think I wasn't going to watch it. YS is there at work, I hope he gets to see some of it. Mitt Romney was so very wrong, beat that, Britain is on the outside edge and that is why it works. Danny Boyle got it right. I totally agree! A wonderful, very British ceremony. Loved it and especially how the flame was lit and the cycling birds. Beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 liked the way none of the athletes lit the flame and it was handed on to the next generation Off to bed now as swimming is on in morning - go Hannah in the 400IM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I loved the opening ceremony So creative and inclusive and the humorous bits were a nice touch. Loved Her Madge being involved- that was a surprise!! I thought the pastoral scene was beautiful and then marvelled at the rings being forged during the industrial section. Thought the section of dance with Emeli Sandel singing Abide with me was very movin Loved the music, the sheer energy and sense of positivity about the whole thing. It's lovely to have your country showcased like that- felt so proud to be British! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 We all loved the opening ceremony - totally bonkers but almost touch of British eccentricity! There were sooooo many teams though! Loved the music, dancing, rings - in fact I loved it all apart from Paul McCartney. It was so nice to see that they had construction people, faces of people who volunteered but didn't make it too. "Ooops, word censored!"ody was forgotten. A lovely touch was the old Olympians handing the torch to the hopeful Olympic youth of tomorrow. The cauldron was fantastic. We are sitting in the Mall having watched the road race go. Fantastic atmosphere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I liked bits of the opening ceremony and didn't like other bits. The 'story of Britain' was a great concept and really well done - loved that. The NHS bit was good too, although not sure why that was picked over other things that make Britain 'British', but maybe I would have said that whatever had been picked Really loved the literature/stories concept too, especially the childcatcher - on roller skates! Mr Bean was mildly amusing but an odd choice as part of the opening ceremony, the girl who sang Abide with Me wasn't very good (nerves maybe?) - out of key at times and very odd breathing/phrasing. Perhaps that didn't matter overall, but it did to me Lost the will to live when Paul McCartney came on LOVED the cauldron, that was amazing, and the idea of giving the next generation of athletes the opportunity to light it was brilliant too, very inspirational. When they brought the Olympic flag in, I'm not sure why Muhammed Ali was there, he is clearly a very, very unwell man, and was having to be supported to stand up and have what was happening explained to him. It just felt a bit like he was being 'wheeled out' for the ceremony (sorry if that sounds a bit blunt) and I'd rather remember him as the amazing sportsman he was. Maybe that's just me though, it just made me a bit sad for him. Anyway overall, a thumbs up from me for the opening ceremony (Big kudos though to the first country who doesn't bother with an opening ceremony - just a welcome of the athletes to the games and the parade instead of all the showy stuff beforehand). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 Have spent a great day chillin' in the garden watching swimming, lots of rowing and the men's road race. Shame GB didn't get medals but there it is. I was thinking that the beach volleyball girls probably wish they had uniforms like the male players. They're going to find it cold . Going to catch up with bits I missed later. The rowing went very well. I wish Macca would retire before it gets anymore embarrassing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Have spent most of the day watching the Mens Team Archery, sadly the GB team went out in the first round. I was pleased the Italians won gold and it was a close match, they are now coached by the previous GB coach. So nice to see archery on tv Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Watched a bit of cycling, tennis and swimming today. Had it on in the background rather than sat down to watch it. Tried to watch the dressage, but it wasn't on TV. Went onto the BBC website to watch it there but my connection must be too slow as it kept buffering which was annoying. Hoping for some dressage on the highlights later (the two GB competitors who did their test today at least) but I won't hold my breath... Off London to see the Cross Country on Monday though so at least I will get to see some of the eventing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Had a lovely day walking around the Olympic Park today. Very impressed with the swathes of wild flowers and the happy volunteers. Even got a glimpse of the Queen as she left in her car after a quick trip to the top of the Orbit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I watched the mens cycling today and was amazed at all the people all along the route and a bit annoyed at them getting in the road. The toilet break amused me near the start of the race. Good to see Surrey where I grew up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 Oh we were so disappointed that Team GB did so badly in the road race, we expected so much from them. It was a brilliant experience to be in The Mall watching. We had seats so stayed the whole day and watched the race on a big screen which was opposite us. The volunteers were all great and happy and cheerful. Hubby even got a 'morning sir' from a soldier as we walked past. The crowd was mixed nationalities and everybody was happy and chatting to each other. I think the last cyclists in got the biggest cheer. Celeb spotting today included Matthew Pinsett sat a few rows behind us for a short time, David Cameron, Prince Charles and Camilla and Jane Torvil and Christopher Dean. All in all really good day (would have been better with a Cavendish gold though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 29, 2012 Author Share Posted July 29, 2012 Wow! The ladies' road race was so exciting and we got Silver. They are very gutsy women, so pleased. That was so much fun. We're doing well in the rowing heats too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 It was brilliant wasn't it! Our first medal - well done Lizzie Amitstead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 Great race Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 We saw them come through Richmond Park. Just as the heavens opened! Lizzie is the 2nd Cyclist. The first 3 came through about 15 minutes before the rest of the group. Very exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 29, 2012 Author Share Posted July 29, 2012 Bronze medal Rebecca Adlington. Thrilling race. She's such a lovely girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 Bronze medal Rebecca Adlington. Thrilling race. She's such a lovely girl. So pleased for her, you could see how much it meant I'm struggling here... I've got 5 Live on in the kitchen, I'm watching the swimming and I need to see the football so I'm going to have to channel hop!! Experiencing a bit of a sport overload Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 OK - Lavenders Blue.....I am going to have to duff you in to get your eventing tickets for tomorrow, I am sooooooo jealous!!!! I have gone a very weird envy greeeeeeen colour all over. I have looked every day on the London 2012 website for tickets for as long as I can remember, and got nothing unless you paid a fortune for them. A couple of times, I got some into my basket and then when I checked out, there were no tickets available! Seriously, have a FABULOUS day and post some pics on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 Interesting to hear that the lovely Becky Adlington swam faster to win her Bronze than she did to win the Gold in Beijing. Fantastic achievement. Why isn't she a Dame? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 So pleased for Rebecca Adlington - brought tears to my eyes (hormones) It's driving Cookie mad as we keep shouting for Team GB all day channel hopping - she goes mad barking. David Hounslow has qualified for K1 slalom semi-final! I hope he makes it to the final. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
