China is going to be hard to beat ever. Their opening ceremony enjoyed the benefit of the largest budget to date (and maybe ever) plus human resources that also may never be equaled (unless North Korea ever get the Olympics).

It was going to be a challenge for any country to match up to China, and I knew Britain was going to have to rely on something other than Chinas two main advantages to impress. I was so looking forward to our opening ceremony to see how we have managed to use quirkiness and modern culture to balance out money and people power.

It started off ok, and I kept thinking "this is going to build into something spectacular". I have to tell you now it did not :( a few good moments of humour, and that's it.

Anyway it is done and out of the way. I'm sure the sporting events will now be sensational, and we can look forward to another art piece at the end of it all with another quirky British closing ceremony.

Oh I did like the flame, that is different in a way that works. But mostly I wish I had not put up the fight that I did to stay awake. :(