Norge!

So what are you going to see at the Olympics?

Handball

Oh... That's... Erm... Interesting....

Actually, it's quite fast and physical y'know. It's big on the continent as well, especially in Scandinavia it seems

Okay. Was that what you applied for then?

Well... No... We'd applied for athletics. Last Saturday's evening session as it happens. The night Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford and Jess Ennis won. Yeah. That one.

But first, an early rise and sun and Boris Biking to Primrose Hill and then back for lunch with one of the coolest people I know, a chap by the name of Damola Timeyin, who I've blipped a couple of times before. The guy's full of enthusiasm and ideas - we met when I snapped him on his bike on George Street and he turned round to find out (in a non-confrontational, just intrigued, way) why I'd been taking his picture. I still have that pic in my Flickr stream. We spent a great hour and a half talking about all-sorts, but mainly photography given he's been behind a big new exhibition called LDNxLDN down there. He listened to a few of my ideas, and pledged support (without it being asked for). And the 'boxpark' scheme, where his collaborative exhibition is, has given me a few more ideas.

And thence to the Olympic Park, where my travelling companions were already waiting. I knew there were a couple of other friends already there too, but wasn't sure I'd have time to find them, let alone stop to chat. As I queued to get into 'Park Live', where the big screens are, I saw a chap draped in a Kiwi flag and thought, 'that looks like Tim'. Lo and, indeed, behold. Time + Fenella plus wee Isla. Couldn't have worked out more perfectly and a ten minute chat was indulged before seeking out the merry Edinburgh band to make our way to the Basketball Arena, to see the Handball, but only after seeing Team GB nab another gold in... Horse Dancing. The crowd went wild.

Semi-final action no less, between Norway and South Korea. The Norwegians were there in force (though the biggest cheer of the night came when it was announced Nicola Adams had won gold), and they came away the happier, with a final slot tucked in their belts. Cue the cowbells.

Soaking up more of the really friendly and celebratory atmosphere we hung around to watch the big screen some more, as the sun set on the men's GB hockey team, and see Bolt create history. A day to rouse the most cynical of... cynics... from his Olympic pessimism. Walking out in the massive crowds the organisation onto the trains was marvellous, visitors high-fiving volunteers as they walked past. Everyone just... chilled.

Patriotic