The English flag flying still makes me very nervous as it's so often an intentional symbol of xenophobia. There are pubs out in the wilds here that fly the flag outside and the message is meant to be obvious - stay away from here if you're not white.

But I do agree that there is a renewed sense of the good kind of national pride, and that the Olympics have helped. When we first got back we kept saying 'isn't it great that we have the Olympics?' and everyone was SO negative (corporate sponsorship, can't afford it, waste of money, we always lose blah blah). I KNEW that the minute the whole things started, they'd all change their tune because that's just what Brits do - piss and moan and then say 'well that wasn't too bad.'

Sure enough, that's where we are now with everyone I know saying some version of 'I was very cynical about this but now I love it!'

Typical Britain! Soon enough everyone will be back to whining

There`s just something about the Olympics! I`m not at all sporty, but I think, as soon as we get competitive, spirits rise and we do all get involved, if only as spectators. I loved Sydney and Beijing, and the fact of it being on home turf this year seems to be really spurring our athletes on.
I see nothing wrong with the "big business" and investment side of it, just about anything to boost Britain`s economy is good at the moment, but I object to overpricing of tickets, and I`m glad they`ve just had to bring the prices down and fill up the stadium this time around.
Homeis, I love the idea of your home being filled with Union Jack stuff. I could never gauge if that stuff was 'just for the tourists" but now I`m back I`ve seen it everywhere here too, so you`re being very fashionable, and patriotic!