I seem to have lost a bit of a tooth. Probably due to not paying enough attention as I took too large a bite out of a French stick while watching the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. The fact that it happened at all and, more importantly, that I didn't particularly mind, is surely testament to the flamboyance and originality of Danny Boyle's engrossing spectacle. I quite liked the jiving Victorians engineers. And the illuminated beds. And the Queen parachuting in. And - goodness, it's all pretty astonishing, in a breath-taking sort of way.
As I write, the parade of athletes has just got under way. It is likely to take some time. But that's fine: good to see representatives of countries I never knew existed waving flags and sporting colourful uniforms. They should be encouraged to do this sort of thing more often. I don't think I've actually sat through an opening ceremony for many years, probably because they tend to be on in the middle of the night or while I'm at work or while I'm out buying French sticks. It takes me back to my childhood - was that the last time I watched one of these parades? There were probably fewer countries back then.
The opening ceremony does help to stoke up a bit more enthusiasm for the Games. It's hard to believe it was seven years ago when London won the bid. So it's understandable if over that time people have lost interest, or were daunted by the escalating cost, or simply forgot, or imagined they dreamt it in the first place. Having torch bearers sprinting through your living room does help to jog the memory. But here we are, seven years on, with the London Olympics about to burst into life (apart from the bits like women's foootball which burst into life a couple of days ago). So hopefully it will be an impressive and inspiring couple of weeks, and the rain will hold off. Especially as I have a holiday coming up.
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