rocar7 Loc: Alton, England

My wife and I went to the Athletics on Wednesday morning. It was a very long day, starting at 4.30 am when we got up and finishing about 10.30pm when we got home. But well worth it. Only just recovering now.

Some observations:

There was no problem with cameras. After all the rumours that DSLRs would be banned, you could only take a 35mm lens etc, the place was full of people with DSLRs with long lenses. I took my 5D2 with a 100-400mm lens, and I wasn't alone.

Security was swift and smooth. Just like airport security, but with far more x-ray machines, and no queues at all.

Travel was easy. Even leaving, when 80,000 people left the park to get to Stratford station, we just walked along with everyone else, walked into the station, onto a train, and away. No waiting at all.

The Olympic park is very big. We couldn't manage to see everything we wanted to because we were too shattered by mid-afternoon.

Fantastic atmosphere in the stadium. It was packed, and the noise was deafening whenever a British athlete was announced. And this was a morning session, no finals or medal ceremonies.

I could go on, but would just like to say how well organised the whole thing has been, and the volunteers are fantastic!

Here's a view of the inside before it all started. I will post more soon.

rocar7 Loc: Alton, England

Here's shot from the top of the Orbit, showing the mass of people leaving after the athletics had finished.

micro Loc: Texas

Glad you enjoyed. From here (sitting on a couch in Texas), it looks like the Brits did a great job building and managing the venue. Glad the home team is gettin it's share of gold, sliver and bronze.

rocar7 Loc: Alton, England

Home teams always do well, but to be honest, most Brits aren't all that bothered by how well we do, it's the whole Olympic experience that is important, and that has been marvellous.

These things caused some amusement, they are radio-controlled model cars, used to return the discus, javelin or hammer after it had been thrown. Some controversy over them as there is a strict rule of no advertising, logos etc in the stadium, but they are clearly BMW Minis.

Mulachabu Loc: Sydney Australia

It has been very impressive, exactly as we expected. Despite the time difference we really enjoyed watching it on Tv, it looks wonderful and the atmostphere seems to have been really friendly. Looking forward to the closing cermony, keep up the good work.

megbend Loc: Australia

Great shots, thanks for posting them.

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Those little "minis" will be worth quite a bit in the future! Thanks for the post. Nice shots!

viscountdriver Loc: East Kent UK

Great shots.Great Olympics

krgatlgm Loc: Las Vegas, Nv

Thanks for posting. Nice to know that things are going well and they are organized. Watching on TV here, all has seemed rather seamless. Due to the time difference though you run the risk of hearing who won what before the event is televised.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Thank you for your observations. I wondered if it was going to be a big a cluster frock as expected. I drove to Huntington Beach today to meet a friend and take some pictures at the reserve but the traffic was so bad I got on the phone and called it off. It took me an hour to get back out of traffic and start the 10 mile journey back home. What a cluster frock! It's funny how the largest sporting event in four years is more organized than my local beach parking and traffic. I guess everyone is trying to beat the heat and go to the beach.

spinkick Loc: Watseka IL

What was the deal with Sir Elton? He was a total no-show for both ceremonies

richnash46 Loc: Texas

It is my personal opinion that this has been by far the best Olympics thus far in my lifetime. The Opening Ceremonies, all of the Olympic Events, and the Closing Ceremonies were absolutely fantastic! Great Britain should be proud for hosting such an incredible event! :)

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Absolutely Fab...to those posting here from England, you should be very proud of a job "Well Done". American TV (NBC) here in the States did a good amount of showing off the people and the countryside in between competitions. England is a wonderful country rich in tradition and history. We were even treated to a TV piece about your struggles during WWII and how the people of England stood firm in the face of devistation. The Olympic Games in London were held in top notch, state-of-the-art facilities. I was impressed. The city was open and friendly and it was obvious that they put a lot of work into making it that way. The athletes all seemed to be having the time of their lives. Both the opening and closing ceremonies were filled with spectacular colors, awesome performances and dazzling fireworks. I have to agree that these was the best I've seen so far. The Chinese did things big, but London did things with fun and excitement. I tip my hat to you and your countrymen for welcoming the World into your city with open arms. And, take a moment to be proud...Thanks from those of us who enjoyed the sights and sounds of Merry Ole England.