Proud to be British: Olympics 2012

A touching tribute to Sir Tim Berners-Lee

Never have I been more proud to be British. The opening ceremony was a show stopper and a triumph for Britain in a year which has been so historically important for our country.

It started off a bit wobbly, with everyone wondering how the Amish related to British culture. Evidently, British fashion has changed dramatically since way back. And with no thorough narration to the story Danny Boyle was telling, I really did feel for the foreign visitors. I'll confess I was a tad lost myself on the historic story that was unfolding before my very eyes at the start. The puzzled faces in the audience would make an excellent photo opportunity however, I'm sure.

The beginning aside, the celebration of our culture and all things British that proceeded truly did serve to make me a proud citizen. We embraced every part of our country; the history, the culture, the literature, artists and so on. The focus on the NHS and Great Ormond Street was such a tribute to the members of the public sector in Britain, and I think it really harnessed their continuous hard work, which proved to be a very moving, and very public message of our appreciation. 

It would have to be the set design that took my breath away the most. It would be hard to dismiss or dislike just how intricate and visually stunning it was. No expense was spared, and you could see that. The fluidity of changing eras, from the countryside adorned with flowers to industrial Britain was seamless and thankfully worked without a glitch. 

Of course, there's no denying that our opening ceremony in contrast to Beijing's was entirely different. But in comparison to a production of wealth which Beijing put on, Britain created a wholly egocentric ceremony which worked so well. Instead of bowing to the pressure of internationalism, Boyle put on a production of what is quintessentially British; from the artificial rain clouds to the green, grassy hills. Rowan Atkinson made a hilarious debut, JK Rowling featured, Dizzee Rascall, a homegrown Grime artist sang and even the Queen made her acting debut with James Bond (aka Daniel Craig). 

The lighting of the cauldron, followed by an abundance of fireworks was spectacularly breathtaking and a perfect finale to such a historically exciting evening. Overall, it was a quirky take on British life, but a historical triumph too. Well done Danny Boyle. 

Let the games begin!