Day 1 of the Olympics

[Dawn]

It started early



Train was busy but everyone was in a good mood.

Got to Waterloo station where all the police were eating ice creams.



Then walked down to here.



Found an olympic shot putt from the gods.



Then stood right underneath this.



We had a couple of hours to kill before heading to the arena and were worried we might just have to wander about but London came out in force and there was plenty of entertainment on The Embankment.








I wish I could describe the atmosphere. Everyone was just so happy.

I did have to pay 50p for a wee but...

[Dawn]

Found these outside the National Aquarium




Then it was lunchtime



Then a bit more of this happy stuff.




And then it was time to catch our connecting transport to the arena - this is how we roll!



We booked water taxi for £4 each way and if you get the chance it seriously is a civilised way of getting about. The ride took about 30 minutes and we saw all of this.








We were headed here.

[Dawn]

Need to upload the rest of the photos now.

[Wendy]

Brilliant photos Dawn

I love the Embankment and you can always count on Londoners to pull together, come out in force and put on a great show

Love the toilet seats

The water taxi is excellent, we've been on it a few times

[Skywatcher]

Epic

[Skywatcher]

Loving big Ben wenlock

Did you get seats on the train ? Really hope we can with our little one

[Beccaberry]

Great trippie so far!! LOVE the seat on the toilet! Hahaha! Steven looks to be having a big time.

Isn't it funny, I've seen the bridge with the Olympic rings at least a dozen times already, but there is just something "cooler" about seeing a shot of it that a friend has taken. Just seems more real somehow...

Can't wait for more!

[uscwest]

Terrific photos Dawn. Looking forward to the rest. I am envious.

[Dawn]

Loving big Ben wenlock

Did you get seats on the train ? Really hope we can with our little one

Well...

When we got on the train at Lancing there were no seats as we were sharing a carriage with most of China. We sat on the floor in a doorway which we are used to having taken public transport to busy football and rugby match. However at Haywards Heath our train was joined to another train and apparently there was plenty of seats in that one but we were quite happy where we were talking to the lady on her way to the tennis.

We changed trains at Clapham Junction and the connecting train to Waterloo had plenty of seats. This was a Saturday though. Expect weekday commuter trains to be rammed.

[Dawn]

OK so we're at the Dome/O2/North Greenwich Arena having arrived on a completely uncrammed very comfortable water taxi. First thing we see is this crazy way of crossing the Thames.



And if you look really carefully behind the crane you can see the Olympic Stadium in the distance.



Lots of people from lots of nations all mingling (and wondering how to get in )



And for the really reckless you can pay to walk over the dome.



We're in and going up the escalator as the crowds follow us.




Waiting for the doors to open.



And we're in.




The nice soldiers were allowed in too