Paralympics

Going to the Paralympics made me feel SO LUCKY to live in this wonderful country, and not somewhere troubled in the world.  Everything about the weekend was perfect.  It started like this:

A glass of Champagne in the Champagne Bar at St Pancras on a Friday afternoon because, well, just because really.  I know, I know, we could have bought a bottle for the price we paid for two glasses, but we didn't care; it is, after all the longest champagne bar in the world, or in Europe, or something (click here), and we were on holiday, or at least it felt like that, with tropical weather, and smiley, friendly people all over the place (hurrah for the Games Makers and London Ambassadors who did an absolutely sterling job).

After looking around this beautiful station,

we made our way to Greenwich, to soak up the atmosphere.

And what an atmosphere it was.  Now, I've been to London many a time, and I've found that Londoners are not renowned for their friendliness and helpfulness (Sorry if you're a Londoner and you're reading this, probably not likely, but you have to admit it.  You're nowhere near as rude as Parisians, but nowhere near as friendly as New Yorkers)  BUT what happened?  London pulled out all the stops and the people of that great city were AMAZING.  Without exception, Londoners went out of their way to make sure that their city was welcoming to all and nothing was a problem.  Visitors (like me) were made to feel important and valued and every minute of my stay was memorable for all the right reasons.

We were going to be staying with friends in Greenwich for the weekend, so headed off to meet them.

Cutty Sark

We got up the next morning, to get the bus to the Olympic Park.  Here's the view on the way to the bus stop.

Greenwich, with Olympic Park in the background

And here's what greets you coming up from the bus stop and tube station:

Everywhere, there were signs to help and welcome you, or people offering assistance (you didn't need to ask for it), so you knew exactly where to go.

It was a wonderful experience, and for me, it wasn't just about the sport, it was about the whole event, which was family oriented, safe, clean, no bad behaviour (footballers take note) or bad language.  Just an amazing experience.  Thank you Londoners, you were incredible.

I'll leave you with a few more pictures.

David Weir, in fourth position on lap one of the marathon

Just before I go - you may be wondering, 'did we see Oscar?'  You bet we did.

I think I'm in love.