After a few too many drinks last night, we both woke with mild hangovers and faced a tough time at the supermarket, the florist, a security door shop and a home-brewing supplies place before snoozing mid-morning for 15 minutes on the couch in front of bemused dogs. Some neighbours who’d lived a few doors up were holding a farewell as they’d sold up and moved to a new house that they will no doubt fully renovate (again). We ate heavily charcoaled (but tasty) sausages cooked over a wood fire and home made grill in Gordon’s backyard, and marvelled at his eclectic rear decking, plants and wonderful new puppy Gus (a she), whilst drinking sparkling Zinfandel and sheltering from the sun as best we could. Pretty soon it was time to catch the Games, and despite being a touch drunk and weary, we managed to get our act together really well, catching the train just in the nick of time; breezing through the security cordon in the “no bag” queue, which really turned out to be a “smallish bags are still OK queue”, and being seated about 10 minutes before the first event. It was hot and sticky and numerous outrageously priced beers were purchased and guzzled over the night, which made for a tired bunch of Vandenbergs. The crowd was a lot more accomodating to the foreign athletes than I’d expected and many clapped all participants, as if trying to compensate for the overly parochial media coverage of the Australian team. I suppose the BIG INCIDENT for the night was when near-favourite Craig Mottram was tripped from behind, halfway through the 1500m and along with another guy who lost a shoe, was out of things after that. The crowd was stunned. I was stunned. He was the main reason I had chosen this night in particular to attend. We had some wonderful seats – right in front was the mens Triple Jump, and women’s Pole Vault. There was the 4×100 and 4×400 relays as well. It was a great novelty to stand for the (ultra short) Ugandan National Anthem after Boniface Kiprop Toroitich won the 10,000m mens final. He ran 27:50, and I think my best at that distance was 40:06 when in my mid-90’s prime. A wonderful week and crowds of 80,000 every night. The weather has been awesome and people very good natured. It has brought out the best in my town. 
The start of the 1500, and a weary and bleary DFV towards the end.