Steve10086

Was at the park for the opening this morning. I think the place is fabulous. Loads for kids to do, and amazing world class sporting venues available for public use. I have swimming lessons at the Aquatics Centre and it's very inspiring.

There have been a lot of good bargains in the London 2012 Shop at the Stratford branch of John Lewis lately. Mascots for £1/£2, and massive reductions on lots of items. Got a set of London Skyline glass blocks yesterday for £3 each (think they were about £35 originally). The shop is very depleted now but they say new stuff is arriving all the time (probably clearing stock from all the other branches) so well worth a look if you're in the area.

Came back here to see what had been happening over the last few months only to discover its still just the 'Baron' being rude to everyone. Nothing changes.

Bought the singing/dancing Wenlock in Argos today for £3.99, a big discount on the original price of £39.99! Also, for anyone near a branch of The Entertainer, they have some great deals on mascots of various sizes.

Not sure if these new signs at Stratford Station have been shown here before:

I seem to be in the minority here (though everyone I've spoken to in person agrees), but I found the Paralympic Opening quite boring. On the night it all felt so small compared to the previous ceremonies. Having the athletes sit around the 'stage' made everything smaller and further from the audience. It did look better on TV, but a lot of people have told me they lost interest during the endless parade. It was also cold and damp in the Olympic Park, which looked dirtier and a bit shabby now, so the whole experience lost it's shine.

Ah, in the Olympic Park! Excellent :-) I cannot wait for July 2013 when Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opens. Will be brilliant to have such an amazing and significant place on my doorstep.

Where is this? Would love to see it.

The three-wheeled yellow van at the start of the show is a vehicle from the classic British comedy 'Only Fools & Horses' starring David Jason. One episode, which is now iconic, featured the main stars in fancy dress as Batman and Robin... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYBd7999qqo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Yes, it's the London Eye. Took this photo today from the Orbit:

I think the BBC licence fee is a bargain! The huge range of services they offer and the quality of their programmes is second to none.

Have to admit that I'm very excited about seeing the Spice Girls on Sunday! :-)

I'm so glad you've been having such a great time in London, CAF. Makes me so proud of my home city. You've taken some excellent photos - have really enjoyed following your adventures.

When attempting to buy tickets from the 2012 website, is there any point sitting in a 12 minute queue? Has anyone been able to get tickets after waiting, or is it inevitable that if you're in that queue they'll be gone before your chance?

I'd say most of the general public don't even care about the Winter Olympics, so I doubt they'll ever get excited about youth games.

Have never heard of the Youth Olympic Games, and I doubt most people have.

Apart from some more Orbit tickets, everything has finally arrived

That is my worry (well, that and the rain!) I really hope the cauldron isn't a damp squib (in all respects!)

I doubt the final image will be the same as in this 'visualisation', but I'm glad the ugly building directly opposite my office in Stratford is going to be covered in a huge advert, if only for a couple of months during the games. <a href=" title="stratford by Steve Haygreen2012, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7544409766_c512990b93_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="stratford"></a> Oops!

Paralympic tickets have arrived

Oh my God, I walked over that little iron bridge years ago when I went on a walk to see the old Big Breakfast house. I find it almost impossible to compare the image of that area then with how it is now. Don't think I've ever (or will ever) experience such a transformation of a place.

Bought Opening Ceremony tickets in the last contingency sale. They were delivered today and I was disappointed to find they are the basic design. Glad to have found the explanation on this forum though.