Photo Essay: Olympic Torch Relay through Islington, London

The morning before the Opening Ceremony, the Olympic torch relay came through the borough of Islington. I’ll admit that for someone who loved the Olympics, I never took much interest in the torch relay — but it just happened to be coming through the neighborhood where I was staying, so it would have been silly to pass on the opportunity.

So at 8 am I trekked over to Islington High Street to watch the relay — and I am so glad I did.

My friend and I arrived about a half an hour early — not to stake a good spot, but more because we didn’t know what time exactly the flame was arriving. Luckily we had free pastries and coffee, and a local school band to keep us entertained while we waited. And yes, that special edition Coca-Cola was my breakfast that day.

I had also just arrived in London a couple days earlier, so I was still reveling in everything English. Look, old-fashioned movie theatre! Look, ye olde English architecture! Look, people sitting on the roof!

Finally the first bus arrived, and happened to stop right in front of us. I was really excited — what luck! — but then I realized the man that stepped out was the next torchbearer. This guy didn’t have the flame yet, he was going to receive it from the current torchbearer.

Following his arrival (I never did find out his name, Google searches have proved fruitless), a few sponsor buses came truckin’ on through: Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Lloyds TSB bank — Lloyds definitely win for having “best mustachioed bicyclist”.

After Wenlock’s obligatory showing, the flame finally arrived.

Torchbearer 026 waited patiently for the flame from Torchbearer 025: war veteran Phil Packer, who was injured in Iraq and participated in the London Marathon after being told he would never walk again.

Packer passed the flame onto the next torchbearer, the two hugged, and then a member of security extinguished Packer’s torch for good.

Within just a few minutes, it was all over, and everyone went about starting their mornings as usual — albeit with a bit of Olympic spirit and excitement in their step.

If you ever get a chance to see an Olympic torch relay, don’t write it off — it’s a surprisingly inspiring moment.