I was in the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony

While London awaits the start of the Paralympic Games on 29 August, I have just about got over the madness of being a member of the volunteer cast for the Opening Ceremony. Before the big day, I wrote a blog post for VisitEngland about the rehearsals and afterwards followed that up with what I did.

I was part of the section celebrating the NHS and children's literature and I was dressed as a 1940's nurse. With my dance partner, I pushed a bed out into the center of the Stadium 'field of play' with a young boy who performed his role magnificently. You can see more photos on the Facebook page.

Before the Olympic Games started I asked on tripatini.com if Londoners knew how lucky they were and once the Games had started I wrote about what it was like to be in London during the Games and more about my star turn. I also wrote for the Happy Homemaker blog about the difficulties of not being a girly girl when we had to dance in heels with full hair and makeup.

I'm incredibly proud to have been part of the Opening Ceremony and have many memories that will stay with me forever. I remember a late night rehearsal in the Stadium where it had rained and rained, and things hadn't gone that well, but we watched as Danny Boyle directed the puppet beds (Voldemort, Queen of Hearts, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, etc). The stadium lighting was shining on the action and it felt like watching magic as he gave instructions and the puppets came to life. I honestly believe the man is a creative genius as when we first saw the vision video for the show we thought he was mad but as rehearsals progressed we realized he has a very special talent.

I'm now looking forward to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Paralympics, and to attending the Games. I've got tickets for seven days of events so I might as well move into the Olympic Park next week!

Image: Laura Porter | London Travel Blog