Olympic spirit

Have to say that I've not really bought into this whole Olympic thing. Find it hard to justify the huge expense in these time of cut-backs and austerity drives. So when my wife suggested that we get up at 7am on a Saturday morning to drive over to Bearsden to catch what would no doubt be a fleeting glimpse of some random stranger carrying an oversize cigarette lighter, I have to admit that I was less than enthusiastic. However, realising that the kids might enjoy a little bit of history in the making I reluctantly agreed. So off we set this morning, and having been stuck in a traffic jam for about ten minutes we abandoned the car and did the last mile on foot. Needless to say, this did not lighten my mood. Some folk were even running along the road to join the ever growing throng that we, by now, could spy in the distance. Eventually we arrived at Bearsden Cross and perched ourselves as best we could with the limited space available. At least my youngest (atop my shoulders by now) might catch a glimpse. Then the PA burst into life with the opening strains of M People ("What have you done today to make you feel proud..") - could this get any more cliched? Then a ripple started further down the road, which quickly built into a full-on crescendo, and then there it was in the distance, in the hands of some random stranger.

Then a strange thing happened. Unexpectedly, and for just a brief few moments, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I too broke into applause, slightly envious at the young guy who was next to carry the torch on its journey north.

And with that it was over and we started our mile-long walk back to the car. At least it was mostly downhill this way. Anyway, not sure how I feel about these Olympics. Will probably watch the 100m final.