CRI听力:The London Olympics Kick off in True British Style

Beginning with the five Olympic Rings being borne aloft by four balloons and climaxing with Sir Paul McCartney singing "Hey Jude", the opening ceremony to London 2012 was packed with drama, humor and jaw-dropping spectacle.

Historically, church bells ring across the UK to mark key announcements, such as the end of a war or a coronation.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee, and Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, then spoke before Queen Elizabeth II, officially opening the Games.

Sebastian Coe says he has been expecting the big day for a long time now.

"I guess the question was asked of me, on many occasions, and I don't really know the answer myself. The answer, I have thought about it, and it is how I feel when I woke up this morning. I am incredibly excited. This is probably the biggest day in my life. I think this is extraordinary. "

Danny Boyle, the chief director for the Olympic opening ceremony, the "Isles of Wonder" spectacular, began with a pastoral view of Britain as a "green and pleasant land".

"This has been a long road, and we are almost there. I mean, when you think about it, you think about the volunteers, then about the directors. They just sit back in the end. This is a live performance, and it is the actors, I mean, in our case, volunteers, who have got to do it. So, any kind of nervousness I feel is for them."

Boyle also said the ceremony is a way to honor his father, and he hopes the audience will enjoy the ceremony.

"It is my Dad's birthday today. My dad is a mad Olympic fan - sitting all night, watching pictures from Mexico, or whatever, and introducing me to the Olympics, really. Sadly, he died about 18 months ago. He did not quite make it. So, I just want to remember him. You can't do it with the whole world. I think some of the audience will be baffled. But I hope it will be temporary, and it will be charming, rather than really annoying. But you decide for yourself."

More than 500 volunteers, including 34 animal handlers, worked in the field or danced around a maypole as choirs and young musicians between seven and 17-years-old teamed up with members from the London Symphony Orchestra.　

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Sir Roger Bannister lighting the Olympic cauldron.

For CRI, I am Long kun.