The Torch! Part Deux

This morning I went to Tower Hill to take some pictures of Tower Bridge bedecked with the Olympics rings. I took some pictures last month but at night so they didn't come out very well and I wanted a redo. There were quite a few people mingling around, taking pictures, a few camera crews and some getting an early start on the torch relay. I hadn't considered that The Torch! was coming down the Thames so it was a happy coincidence that I was there at roughly the same time. I took the tube back to Temple and walked along the Embankment looking for a good place to perch for 15 minutes to wait The Torch! out. I stood across from the Southbank Centre and the Eye and got to see The Torch! sail by on the royal barge. The torchbearer was holding a torch and then used it to light a cauldron at the front of the barge just about as it was passing under Waterloo Bridge. The barge had some company as it sailed down the Thames.

After The Torch! passed by I walked to Embankment and happened to go through Embankment Gardens which looks really pretty right now. It was very summery and flowery, too bad the weather was not as summery and sunny today. I don't remember the garden being that pretty but maybe I failed to take much notice of it before. Or perhaps it has been gussied up like so many other parts of the city in preparation for the games.

I also saw this hardcore fan on my walk to Embankment. Now that is spirit! I want Dave to dress like this for the next 16 days. Her companions were nowhere near as spirited. 

I am all set to watch the opening ceremonies tonight, can't wait! And I guess tomorrow the fun starts in earnest, namely trying to navigate London while the road race happens, people descend on the various venues, tourists are out in full force, and Londoners are going about their Saturdays. Happy Olympics!