Today is the day England has been awaiting for seven years: the opening ceremony of the 'twenty-twelve' Olympics! England can boast that it is the first country to host the modern games three times. This is also the first time that women can compete in all of the men's sports (but not the other way around due to synchronised swimming). I found myself in goosebumps two days ago when the first official game (women's football) was played and last night as the men's football matched-up. This is truly an exciting time for England and for the world.
Like most big events here--the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, for one--the English remain incredibly subdued until the day of the celebration. BBC news has been reporting on the Olympics for months, but socially, the Olympics weren't discussed. Early this morning though, the country joined in ringing bells at 8:12 for three minutes to commemorate this huge undertaking. Of course not everyone gathered their children together, linked arms with their neighbours, or jigged in jubilation, but a real sense of joy could be felt with the promise of hearty, fun competition that only the Olympics can bring.
The next two weeks will most likely be treated as a big party by England--these people know how to have a good time. At all major holidays and any days in between, people will find an opportunity to celebrate and crack open bottles of alcohol. Every night in big cities can resemble a New Year's festival as streets fill with shameless teens and adults alike. It's somewhat calming knowing that as a majority, I'm in a country with people who are always 'up for a laugh.' The next two weeks will surely be full of celebration.
Lee and I did not acquire tickets for the Olympic games much to the dismay of our American friends who say, "You're so close; It's a once in a lifetime opportunity." These statements are very true; however, we are choosing to save our money for a trip back to Ohio at Christmastime and we are happy to watch all of the events from home. I called Wills and Kate to see if we could bunk with them if we attained tickets to the swimming events--£3,000 per ticket--but their line was busy. Now, there were more inexpensive ticket choices left for the less financially fortunate, around £20, for the nose-bleed section seats at games such as netball, hockey, football, and basketball. Our compromise to be a part of the Olympics firsthand was to see the torch being carried through Preston. (Another 'goosebumps' moment.) We managed to see two torchbearers and both were inspiring: one man who carried his torch while in his wheelchair and one woman who formerly competed in the Olympics.
Many people have written into the BBC complaining that the Olympics will not go well and that it is a waste of taxpayer's money, but as far as I can tell from the footage thus far, these naysayers are in the minority. The first day did have its hiccups: 1) the South Korean flag was shown as the North Korean women's football team prepared to play (they refused to play their match), 2) the £45 million cable cars built to carry people directly to Olympic Park broke down while passengers waited for 30 minutes in the air until the problem was fixed, and 3) the aquatic centre's roof is discovered to be too low for some spectators to see the diving events, so ticket holders of these seats will be reimbursed their money.
England has transformed even from the time I arrived last year to get ready for these games. I've seen the kids at school be inspired to try new sports from Wimbledon and the Euro football games and their chatter of the Olympics inspired relay-type games to be mimicked at playtime. The excitement in the air is already inspiring, motivating, and bringing a sense of pride to England that it needs. I hope the rejuvenation and positivity lasts longer than the next two weeks.
Below are our photos from the torch relay through Preston's main street.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
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| The logo--at least £4 million for a company to brand their products with this. |
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| The road is very narrow and the buses rode right past our noses. |
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| The people in grey made sure the roads were clear and the torchbearers remained safe. |
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| First glimpse of the torch! |
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| Second torchbearer waiting for the hand-off. |
