The air is charged with excitement today. From where I sit, London seems composed, poised, under its soft grey cover. But I feel the rush. Eyes closed, I can see the following:
In an adjacent cobblestone street, a small group of friends are already celebrating. Five sugar-rimmed glasses meet in a chime. A couple of miles away, a tourist asks a young man in a suit to take a photograph of his family below the Five Rings gracing Tower Bridge. The man in the suit wants to adjust the setting, but takes the snapshot as it is. Bicycles pass in the dedicated lane, and swerve over to the other lane as they read the sign next to the road. A couple of miles on a couple stare at the water in the Thames. Not at St. Paul's or the Millennium bridge. They just set their eyes on the water, words every now and again. Then: a stampede of people appear from the entrance of the underground. A couple of them delighted to find themselves in Trafalgar square. Videos are taken with mobile phones, the kids chase after the dirty pigeons, the self-appointed leader of the party, wearing a London 2012 T-shirt, wanders around until he stops to show a Policeman a map. After a few nods at the hand gestures and pointed fingers, a final request is added, and a photo is taken of the map, the Policeman, a tree, a blur of pigeons and the lost tourist. They carry on in circles, and take the wrong turn. Red Double Decker busses pass with larger than life portraits of determined athletes. People pass, colourful people, suits, flags, shoes, smiles, books, cameras, ipods, water bottles, wide eyes.
I am in a quiet, calm corner of London though. I take a deep breath. Tonight. The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is a few hours away. Apart from the masses of spectators, I know of the wonderful few who are focussed and thrilled to take part in this year's Olympics. Prepared to be faster, higher, stronger.
The calm of London: ready to host these minds. The storm: to take them further.
 |
| From Greece to England. |
 |
| It started under a grey sky. But not a colour absent sky. |
 |
| The beauty and magic of the city always stirs something in me. |
 |
| Culture poured out in a paper cup. |
 |
| The stunning parks and 'secret' gardens in London offer serenity in such a big and busy city. |
 |
| Strong, bold industrial shapes are features of London that I find absolutely irresistible. |
 |
| Last night we walked past Parliament and stayed for a while to see the projections thrown from across the Thames. It was quiet. Calm. Beautiful. |
I am very honoured and excited to be here right now.
(Understatement).
*t
No comments:
Post a Comment