I did stay up last night to watch the opening ceremonies. Well done, I thought. Not much of a surprise there as I like Danny Boyle, but I did find it odd that it overly emphasized British literature, film, and music over than sport and athleticism. I'm not going to complain, though, because the soundtrack was outstanding: the Clash, Bowie, the Sex Pistols, the Chemical Brothers, the Pet Shop Boys, Clapton, and more. We did not see Elton John or Coldplay. And I loved that when Queen came on, their music got an extra cheer from the crowd.
Speaking of queenly matters ... did you like the James Bond short? I thought it was fun. And good for the Queen for playing along, although she looked rather glum all night.
Another thing I enjoyed about Boyle's direction? The homage to Britain's sense of humor. The Brits just don't take themselves so seriously, unlike Americans. (A huge generalization, I know.) I doubt you'd see the likes of an American director let someone like Rowan Atkinson goof around with a renowned orchestra. I mean, look how offended we get when Ricky Gervais pokes fun at Hollywood celebrities? Wait -- I guess it's the Hollywood celebrities who get offended. But I stand by my original assertion.
I loved the look of the Ralph Lauren-designed uniforms for the U.S. athletes, though I was dismayed to find out they were made in China. Grr. And while I've seen the athletic wear that Stella McCartney designed for Team UK, I wasn't thrilled with the look of the uniforms they wore at last night's opening ceremony. (Those gold patches under their arms? Yuk.) I also liked Canada's outfits -- they were simple, but really stood out.
Anyway, it was a pleasant way to spend the evening and I managed to get a good bit done on my 2012 Ravellenic Games entry, my Go America! socks:
I had to rip them back a bit after I'd discovered I'd cast on an extra stitch, but otherwise good progress. This morning I manged to add another two inches to the leg, and I suspect by the end of the weekend I'll have the heel turned. My son is down in Connecticut this weekend, so I have some extra free time.
Are you watching the Olympics over the next several weeks? Are you participating in the 2012 Ravellenic games?
Also, the Ab Fab women's involvement. Hilarious. I loved the James Bond piece, with the corgis and the queen. How the monarchy has changed--pre-Diana, you wouldn't have seen her involved like that for the world.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Amy. The Monarchy has loosened up a lot since 1997. Since all the other scandals haven't brought them down, the Queen probably figures a little fun with Daniel Craig isn't such a big deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - as much as I love London there is no way I would want to be there right now!
ReplyDeleteI loved the bit with The Queen. When it first started my husband and I sat there wondering if it was a commercial, then when she turned around and it was really Her we couldn't believe it. She did look a bit glum at the ceremonies. I wonder if she is exhausted from all the activity that has surrounded her Jubilee.
And Mr. Bean in the orchestra was hilarious!
Even we loved the opening ceremony: in fact we have ditched out customary cynicism during the games, and London has indeed been crowded: but uncharacteristically affable. My commuter husband informs me that this week, the effect seems to be continuing.
ReplyDeleteYour crowd instinct was a good one: we got used to being herded, for sure. However since we are excellent queue-ers, we fared better than I thought we would.
Lovely post: and nice to find out what people were thinking on the other side of the pond.
Thank you, Letterfrombritain! Very kind of you. I read a lot of British bloggers who attended the ceremonies and it does look like crowd control was excellent.
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