By Laura Miller
So, my time in London is coming to an end. But perhaps it's for the best.
As I watched Kath Grainger hug Sir Steve Redgrave, pouring out all her pain, relief and joy on his shoulder, having finally won that gold medal she's been working her whole life for, well, I was an emotional mess. And don't get me started on Andy Murray...
And I know I'm not the only one. I've heard the commentators' voices crack as a British athlete produces a lifetime best and I've seen grown men reduced to tears as they watch the medal-winning performance of the Games so far.
That sporting achievement can produce that kind of reaction in us though, is a wonderful thing. It's a uniting force unlike any other.
As I make my way through the swarms of people at Stratford station, suddenly a cheer goes up and I know Team GB has another gold. Or as I'm eating my lunch in a cafe, a man who's glued to his phone suddenly yells 'get in there'...and heads lift and people smile.
And I've learned some other things along the way too.
I should always carry copious amounts of hairspray and hair grips when going to do a live report because it turns out the camera position might be in an elevated wind tunnel.
I should never tell the boss that I was halfway back to my hotel before I realised I didn't have my video camera with me and really couldn't remember where I'd left it.
And, I like London. The city hums and buzzes with possibility. It's noisy and brash and bustling but it's also surprisingly welcoming and friendly. It seems to be a place at ease with itself and being the focus of the world's attention for four weeks.
So long London, it's been a pleasure....
