That Bloke In The Big Smoke

Earlier today, I followed the parade to Trafalgar Square. Some of you have probably seen the images, read about it on the Beeb and perhaps even watched the proceedings on the tele. Unfortunately, my digicam wasn't working so I was forced to use my crap mobile phone camera instead. I need to remember never to use its zoom feature. Surprisingly, quite a few pictures turned out half-decent. The procession itself was quite good. There wasn't as much noise along the route as I expected; I later realized the rowdier gang had congregated in Trafalgar Square. Several volunteers handed out the blue foam hands (see pics below) and VISA sponsored Union Jacks. I picked one up for good measure. I was surprised how close we could get to the athletes, but I suppose that was to be expected given the narrowness of Fleet Street and The Strand. The parade was really easy-going. At one point the juggernaut stopped for about 5 or 6 minutes, giving people an opportunity to chat with the athletes, take photos, get autographs signed etc. One member of the crowd even handed over their mobile phone to one of the athletes so that I presume, they could be congratulated by someone who couldn't make it today! At another point an athlete jumped off his float and hugged someone he recognized in the crowd. It was all rather jovial and a lovely way to pass time between lectures. The stage is set for 2012, so here's to TEAM GB! CONGRATULATIONS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!! Time to bring Ping Pong home!

( More Parade Pictures )

An interesting article from The Economic Times. Chinese demand for raw materials has collapsed, dramatically affecting global sea traffic.

Abhinav Bindra made Indian Olympic history by winning the Men's 10 metre air rifle event with a score of 700.5!!! JAI HIND!!! This is the moment we've all been waiting for! A silver in the Double Trap in Athens four years ago and now this. COME ON YOU INDIANS!!

What a fucking incredible Opening Ceremony... no pressure on us for 2012!

You wouldn't have guessed that the number eight held special significance in China. After all the Ceremony only began at 8pm on the 8th day of the 8th month of the year 2008 while the torch was lit by eight torch bearers in the stadium...

Just got off the phone with my mum and I just learnt that Muscat will be hosting the Olympic Torch Relay on Monday, April 14th! How about that?! Apparently it will start at the boat roundabout by Al-Bustan and then work its way through Sidab, Muscat, Qurum and finish near Naseem Gardens about four hours later. It's really cool that Muscat got chosen among all the Middle Eastern countries and not Dubai!!! You go Oman!! I only feel bad for the disruption it will cause as the highway it goes through is still the aorta of Muscat's traffic.

In other news, all the roundabouts dotting Sultan Qaboos Street are being removed and replaced with traffic signals. Hmm, bad idea?

I miss Oman from time-to-time. Hope I get to visit before uni starts in September. Even if it's for just a week or two.