Climb that damn mountain.

Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that damn mountain.”

—	Jack Kerouac

We all have those mundane, everyday tasks that we have to complete, ranging from washing the dishes, to getting the weekly shopping done or doing some paper work. This is nothing to moan about of course because these things have to be done, whether you like it or not - life is not always exciting or glamorous or even interesting but when it is it's so important to remember those times and even more important to make sure you actually plan for these times. Maybe not exactly climbing a mountain like the quote suggests, but booking that holiday with friends, planning a once in a lifetime trip, planning and organising a party, applying for that dream job, going on that date, or even simply booking a table at your favourite restaurant and just laughing with your friends till your sides hurt. These are the moments that are looked forward to, celebrated and remembered.

Sometimes you go through times, especially around exam time at school/uni or a deadline at work or being in a job that you hate, that can make you feel trapped or get you down but you know what helps? Having something to look forward to and to know that those times will pass. The thing about bad times and good times is that neither last forever, and that's ok. Because you get through the bad times in order to enjoy the good times.
I think it could be sad if, when opportunities present themselves, we do not take them and grab them with both hands. Obviously we can't do everything, but using excuses that really do not add up, saying no, putting off doing something, letting 'life' get in the way or sticking to your comfort zone (as nice as it may be in your zone!) can only hold you back and open doors for regret. Because, when it comes down to it, the memories of your good times and the product of your labour and hard work is surely the one thing that will stand the test of time.

'Baby it's cold outside' // Morning Musings

IT'S SO COLD!! I feel like I'm walking in a freezer every time I step outside :( Is it this cold everywhere else or is it just Nottingham or am I just a wimp? I'm not quite sure...

Anyway, I met up a while ago with my friend Nora for coffee and chats and managed to dig out this shirt from my mum's wardrobe to wear. I don't even know where she bought it from but I love the embroidery detail at the top.  Honestly, I haven't worn white in like three years just because I'm so paranoid of getting something on it but this shirt is just too nice.

Shirt; My Mum's

Blazer; Matalan

Jeans; New Look

I saw this text post on Tumblr recently and spent a good five minutes just thinking to myself about how true it was.

 It reminded me of a scene from the film The Holiday where Kate Winslet's character, Iris, is being given some good old fashioned advice - 'Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.'  Yep. You don't wanna go living your life as the best friend in someone else's movie, but the leading lady in your own... as weird/abstract as that may sound. But I hope you get the point/idea/message!  It's nice to remind yourself every now and then just how important you actually are. I think it's easy to get lost sometimes in thinking that you have to be a certain way, act a certain way or be a certain type of person in order for you and your beliefs, views or opinions to be taken seriously. You don't.  This is something I struggled with loads during school and college while constantly being reminded by teachers about how quiet I was. Is being quiet a bad thing? Obviously within reason, it's not like I would just sit there and not communicate ever with anyone... I just wasn't as loud as everyone else. Everything is so cut-throat and everyone is so harsh with each other it feels like if you're not standing up and shouting out your opinions, you have nothing worth saying... What do you guys think?

There is no place like home...

Growing up, me and my family moved around waaaaaaay too many times. Every time we would 'settle' it seemed like it was time to move again to the point were I think we just stopped trying to make our houses feel 'homely', if you know what I mean, and just accepted them as they were and as we bought them. So I can't wait to have my own place and take the time to decorate it and really turn it into a home.  I like the idea of a home with lots of colour, natural light, books, candles and just pictures everywhere and things that show off your character/personality. Oh and everything is coming straight from Ikea. Is it sad that I sometimes just flick through their catalogue or check out their website even though I'm obviously not going to be buying anything just yet?  Anyway, in anticipation of the time I get the keys to my first place, I thought I would do a quick home inspiration post.

Images sourced from Tumblr and Hom-e

I hope you've all had a great week! 

Where is the love?

I feel like we are in the middle of a pandemic. Yes, that's right, we are witnessing the outbreak of some new deadly illness that seems to have caused people to forget about basic human courtesy and the fact that, actually, being funny does not consist of insulting another person or group of people, just for the 'lols'. I say deadly because it can be; almost half of suicide among teens are related to bullying (source).

I just keep thinking though, were did all this come from? When did it suddenly become ok to send a hurtful tweet, or a nasty Facebook or Youtube message. Is it the anonymity that makes it seem less threatening or less real? Or are we all inwardly like this and this side of us was bound to come out eventually...? With phrases such as 'trolling' and 'keyboard warriors' being thrown around, it's almost been turned into a game now. Who can 'troll' the hardest, who can think of the biggest insult to make readers sit back and go 'ooooohhhhhhhhhh!' Is this a very severe escalation of the 'yo mama' jokes of the 90's that have now come back to haunt us? I have so many questions.

As The Black Eyed Peas would say, 'Yo. Whatever happened to the values of humanity? Whatever happened to the fairness in equality?  Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity'  Yes, I just quoted The Black Eyed Peas... But it seems appropriate, if not somewhat dramatic at the same time. Seriously though, what happened?!

It's so easy to spread hate around isn't it? I feel like we've become so used to dissing celebrities (which is still wrong in itself) that we think it's ok to do the same to someone in your school, work, online. Yeah, I think that's part of what it is. Do you have any other theories? Places like Twitter, and being connected to the world, don't help either. I can send a tweet to someone I don't even know, it's so easy. And if you are a nice person 'in real life' then being anonymous on twitter may make you think you can take on a different persona and be an idiot. Ah of course, these are the keyboard warriors. Like I said, it's so easy to spread hate, but I think that spreading a bit of love, or just kind-heartedness, is the real challenge. Not how many retweets you can get. 'But it's my opinion!' I hear you cry. Stop right there. There is a difference between opinion, which we have every right to, and being just down right nasty and disrespectful.

Please note that I'm not writing this saying I'm guilt free of a tweet or two myself, usually explaining my strong dislike for Nicki Minaj... because I'm not. I just think it's something we need to be very careful about. And make sure that 1. we do not cross the line (you know the line...) and 2. we make a bit more effort to spread some love and just be, you know, nicer.

'Happiness is yours to take; it's born within the soul...'

'Stop searching for your joy in the hands of someone else; no amount of shared passion can make you love yourself'

We seem to make the mistake in thinking that happiness comes from certain things or having a certain someone in our lives; believing that these are sources of our happiness. While such things make us feel happy, they can't actually bring happiness if we are not, firstly, happy with ourselves. I mean sure, feeling happy around someone or when you get that amazing dress in the sale isn't a bad thing, but if your happiness becomes dependent on that then I think you begin to loose yourself a bit and these things start to become our 'masks' - soon enough we can't face a day without them, something that, undoubtedly, grows into a really unhealthy relationship to have with someone or some thing. 

Happiness truly only comes from ourselves, with being ourselves, with being comfortable with the person that we are, knowing who we are, what we like, what we dislike, what we want to do or who we want to become. It's such a difficult thing to try to explain but I think it's a fundamental basis of anyone's growth in life. Without having this foundation, any guy (or girl) can come up to you, telling you what you want to hear... 'you're beautiful... you're amazing...' and while it's nice to hear it's also like 'so what'. 'So what if I am, why does that mean we should be together?' It's not meant to sound big headed or anything like that but I think there should be more, not just a couple of pre-rehearsed lines, if things are going to be serious.  The whole idea of 'being happy with yourself' comes from the knowledge that, actually, you don't need someone to make you happy, but someone to share your happiness with. And in order to do that, you need more than feeling that you need a partner and the words of  'yeah, you're well fit' to try and reassure you. 

                                            Find me on: YouTube | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram: @thatgirlsaadiya

4 more years.

I'm not even an American citizen, but I think it is important to really acknowledge how important it is that Obama was re-elected for a second term in office. If you really look at his opponent, Romney, and his core political beliefs (thoughts on women, ethnic minorities, homosexuals, the middle class etc etc) then it is evident that this re-election of Obama also shows that equality, integrity, morale and an understanding of basic human rights will always prevail.

(Source: Tumblr and Obama's official Twitter account)

'If this is love, then love is easy, it's the easiest thing to do'

• Who creates trends on twitter such as #ifiwasinvisibleiwould, #reasonsifailatbeingagirl and #majorputoff?
• When will I be able to afford a walk in wardrobe?
• Why do people still insist on playing their music on loadspeaker on public transport (I thought we've moved on from this?)
• Do Jamies 15 minute meals really just take 15 minutes to make? (I have yet to test this, but be sure that I will)
• In 50 years time, will I still be great friends with amazing people I'm friends with now?
• Why am I slowly falling in love with One Direction?
• Is it just me who thinks that Macdonald adverts are actually really good and clever? (Shame about their food... ohhh)
• Why do I always start blog posts then just save them in my drafts folder forever? 
• Why is there a show on ITV2 called 'Next top dog model'? (seriously)
• At school, why do we not learn basic life lessons like what a P45 is, or how to change a tyre or what you need to know when buying a house. These are important things to know right?

These are serious questions that I ask myself and I need answers guys.

In other news, I want to share some music that I am loving at the moment with you guys. Do you like them and what music are you in to at the moment?

McFly are baaaack! I'm not gonna lie, I was in LOVE with them and actually love their new single.

Ben Howard - Esmerelda. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

Ed Sheeran - Give me Love. Need I say more?

Beyonce - I was here. This has been out for a while but I just love the video, especially the first minute of it - Beyonce looks so small against the images behind her.

Swedish House Mafia - Don't you worry child. I'm not really into dance music, but I just love this song right now

Jessie Ware - Wildest moments. 

This has been out for a while, but I just love this live version of her single

Dating outside of your culture - what's the big deal?

I recently wrote a post for .Ghana and just wanted to share it with you guys. Thoughts and comments welcome of course! 

_____

A friend of mine recently asked the question “Saadiya, would you date a white guy or a guy who wasn't Nigerian?” If I had been asked this question a couple of years ago I would have, without a doubt, answered with a confident ‘no!’. Surely dating outside of your culture could only lead to confusion, arguments and unnecessary hassle. Why put yourself through that when you can find someone who understands you and your culture from the get go?

Fast forward a couple of years, and this question has really stumped me. Would I date a guy outside of my race or culture? And I don’t just mean black and white or African and Jamaican. There is a whole spectrum of matches here; Black and Asian, Chinese and White, Nigerian and Ghanaian, Egyptian and Indian... er, you get the idea! How would it work... in the long run of course – the ultimate goal for any two people in a relationship is marriage, and a long-lasting one at that, right? Dating outside of your culture or race is an issue I am sure, many of us have faced. We could be here for hours discussing the pros and cons of the situation but this is something that has been playing on my mind for a while now. The reason for this is, after graduating from University, I now think dating a guy outside of my culture would not be as big an issue as I once thought. I am not opposed to the idea. But, I think it depends on the person. I have met some people from all sorts of walks of life who have understood me a whole lot better than people I have met that are of the same race, culture and heritage as myself. So, just like all things, you just can’t generalise I guess. If the relationship is serious, then you're not just thinking about yourself anymore. It’s the impact it will have on your future children and those around you; family, friends and colleagues. People will always try to find a way to make your relationship their business for whatever reason. It simply is not though! I say simply, because it is... well, it should be. When families get involved, it seems like the issue is out of your hands entirely! While I understand that, especially in African or Asian homes, marrying outside of your culture seems to be the road less traveled down.

I wanted to get a wider perspective on this issue so I asked a couple of my friends the same question, and the results I found was just as varied as I had expected, but also quite positive. Everyone played the middle ground – ‘they would… for the right person’ and that is the key; find the right person. I find it comical how people have ‘checklists’ when it comes to potential partners – it's something that can only restrict you, especially when you're young. Don’t get me wrong, it is important to have standards to keep by when dating, but there can be certain things that can also be compromised on. Besides, people are complex; they can’t be listed, checked off and placed in boxes.

Interracial couples or marriages can work, for the right person, and if both sides are willing to respect and compromise. I think that is what it all comes down to eventually. There should be nothing wrong with dating interracial, as long as the other person can truly understand, respect and compromise on important issues. Believe it or not, people are capable of doing this.

So I go back to my original question; would I date a guy outside of my culture or race? I would, for the right person. But they better be worth it!

'I am full of light, I am full of wonder' | Musings

There comes times in life when you realise you have to change something about yourself, or improve a part of you. Like maybe you want to start eating healthier, give up smoking, or work on your confidence or get a place in University.

You're not changing because you are trying to model yourself on someone else, but simply because you realise that, for you and your well-being,  it's the best thing to do.  But it's so hard isn't it? I'll use eating healthy as an example because that's something I'm working on right now, i.e paying attention to what I eat, cutting out all the unhealthy food and generally eating more healthy and useful foods.  I genuinely thought to myself one day that I gotta take this seriously - the foods I buy, cook and eat are so important I should start paying attention to them. It's one of those things that is so easy to put off till tomorrow, till someday. 'We're always waiting for our lives to begin...' but if you think about it, in a year's time, you would wish that you had started today. It's about just taking that first step. Even if you give up or give in halfway through, as long as you know how to make that first step again and again... and again, I reckon it'll be alright.  

It just has to start with you and only you; changing someone else is damn near impossible if they have no interest in it. Change is such a hard thing and as human beings it's so easy for us to get stuck in our ways without expanding our horizons and just opening our minds to endless possibilities, as cheesy as that sounds!!   I love the idea of that though, being so optimistic about certain things that you have such a strong 'get up and go' attitude about life and what you can do. Obviously life isn't full of sunny days and rainbows but it does pay to keep optimism alive, give things a go and literally just do it. Just do it. As soon as you've made the decision to lose weight, or give up smoking or get into uni, it's done; you have made that decision so it's up to yourself to pull through.  

I wanted to share with you guys Emeli Sande's new song (well, it's Naughty Boy ft, Emeli Sande) I've raved about her material before and I love that she is releasing new music, it's so inspiring and refreshing to hear her songs on the radio. What do you guys think about the new song?

'This life is contagious, go, go tell your neighbours, just reach out and pass it on'

Interviews | Rant time

I hate interviews. Like really really really really hate them so much so that I would rather take another 3 hour law exam or something. Somehow I think that would be less pressure... Obviously, interviews are not supposed to be appealing, or exiting, or enjoyable; they are meant to test you and draw out the best in you so the company knows that they are recruiting the best of the best. I get that. But some take the mick.

The most recent interview I had lasted the whole day and consisted of a maths test, a sales test and a competency based interview. Oh and group work (I'm SO bad at group work it makes me want to cry...) The job I was going for must have been pretty big though right? Right? Ha ha haha ha. It was for a call centre where literally you sit there, people call in about their broken down washing machines and you help them with their problems while secretly trying to sell them some insurance. An interview I had before that was pretty much the same and it was also for a very very very basic job.  To be honest, their more 'assessment days' than 'interviews' because their so hardcore. What really annoys me though is when you ask for feedback on how you did (if you didn't get the job) and all they say to you is: 'we're sorry but, due to the high volume of interest, we cannot give individual feedback.' Oh well I'M sorry but did I not just spend ALL day in YOUR office doing YOUR tests and answering YOUR questions and pretending like sales was the best thing in the whole world?! I know they are a massive company and I'm just another unemployed graduate to them but it's a bit... belittling when you literally jump through hoops for a job that is only meant to 'get you by'  and you can't even ask where you went wrong.

Interviews in general are hardcore, I understand, but really, what are they looking for? Perfection? Well it doesn't exist man!
Meh, rant over.

Check out my latest YouTube video HERE 

Find me on:  YouTube | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram: @thatgirlsaadiya

'Anderson Cooper is a gorgeous man...'

I recently came across TED Talks – a website dedicated to showcasing ‘ideas worth spreading’ - and really wanted to share it with you guys. Most of you may be aware of the site but if not, TED stands for ‘Technology, Entertainment, Design’ and holds three annual conferences, two in California and one in Edinburgh every summer.  These talks aim to showcase some of the world’s best thinkers in technology, entertainment and design and provide us with new ideas and ways of thinking about things in our lives. 

The website makes these words of wisdom available, free, for the world to watch and I spent literally hours going through their archive. Check out a few of my favourite talks that I stumbled across!

'Unlock the intelligence, passion and greatness of girls'

'Try something new for 30 days'

'Before I die I want to...'

Also, check out my post I did on this here

'The power of introverts'

'If I should have a daughter...'

Enjoy and hope you guys have had a great weekend!

'If no-one ever hears it, how we gonna learn your song..?' | Morning Musings |

Am I the only one to find it quite creepy/stalkerish how adverts on the websites you go on (Blogs, Facebook, Youtube side adverts etc) target you?  In my final year of uni, around the time I was searching for a flat to live, every single ad I came across online was of estate agents and student flats on the market in Liverpool.  I know how these things work. I think. Something about Google, and our data and our search engine entries right...? This never really bothered me, until Facebook started targeting me with 'Find Muslim singles in your area' adverts. Yep, Facebook knows I'm single, I'm Muslim and is now trying to set me up. (Pffft, I'm shaking the guys off with a stick, blates.)  

I understand that obviously companies need to advertise their products for the wider public, I get it - you created something spectacular that the world just has to see it, one way or another. But when I am shown adverts to join dating sites to meet 'hot singles' in my area, I think something has gone wrong, somewhere. Firstly, how can you advertise love? It's like advertising an emotion. Kind of... Secondly, I feel like we can't even move without getting hit in the face with people telling us to buy this, telling us we need that, telling us that their offer only lasts till Friday (my personal favourites are the 'Buy now, pay nothing for a year!' offers). How often do you go on a site and about 5 billion pop up sites pop up claiming to offer you the latest Apple gadget. How did we move from adverts just being on TV, on billboards and in magazines to being everywhere?! Maaaaaaybe I am a little over sensitive in this issue and no one reaaaally cares but me, but hmmm, it just bugged me quite a bit!

It's alright, Banksy gets me...

Anyway, since uni is over, I have taken up reading again. Not the reading-because-you-have-an-exam-and-know-nothing type of reading but actually reading for fun (what is that?!) Yeah, it's been a while! I am currently reading The Alchemist - has any one read it? It's quite good so far, although I think I did start reading with my expectations way too high, but I am only half way through! 

The Alchemist, The Power of Now, The perks of being a Wallflower

Oh yeah, did I mention... I graduated!! YESSSS; University of Liverpool Law Graduate 2012. Now when people ask me what I do for a living, I look them right in the eye and say with a massive grin on my face that 'I am a graduate, actually' (little do they know that that is code for 'I am currently unemployed, please, please, please give me a job. Please.' NOT that I am desperate.) I actually quite like being able to say that. I keep seeing interviews with recent graduates complain about how their degree hasn't really helped them with finding employment and how uni was a waste of time... and while this may be true for some people, uni is by no means a waste of time. Well, it wasn't for me. I loved it, and I would happily, hands down, do it again - same course, same uni, same people - I genuinely loved the experience and have learnt things about myself I don't think I would have learnt any other way to be honest. I would like to think that the rise in tuition fee's wouldn't have stopped me either but it is very easy for me to say that from where I am at at the moment! 

What do you guys think about uni and tuition fee's? Have you been, are you going, will you go?

Follow me: Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram: thatgirlsaadiya

'Miley Cyrus tweets make-up free picture of herself.' Erm, ok...

This legit came up on my Facebook feed. Like you know how Facebook now has a 'Trending articles/videos' feed? Yeah, this was one of them.  Are we so insecure that we need constant validation that celebrities look just like us without make-up on too? That question was a bit strong, I didn't mean to sound so accusing but I think stuff like this is getting a bit... out of hand? It's not the fact that she did it (tweeted the photo, I mean) it's more the fact that someone thought it was important enough to be deemed 'news-worthy' and the fact that it is now a 'trending' article on Facebook. Trending means it generated a load of views right? Why?? I get it though, what celebrities do and how they look is interesting - reading the celebrity section of the Daily Mail is a great way to procrastinate, I have learnt, but I think articles like this are a bit... silly now. Do articles like that even constitute as an article? Do papers like the Daily Mail even constitute as a newspaper? Well, that, is a different topic/discussion all together.  This article (*I don't know where it was from though as I didn't click on it, so it may or may not have been from the Daily Mail.) really got to me for some reason. But of course, as long as they are being written, we will continue to read them, and that is one of my biggest problems with the media.

I want a career in media, eventually, I want to work as a Broadcast Journalists, by Gods Grace, but sometimes I think that the media can really underestimate the public. And they know exactly what they are doing.  Tabloids like The Daily Mail or The Sun, I think, shouldn't be taken so seriously, but it's kind of sad that so many people do take them seriously, and that's where they have them - people who genuinely buy tabloids and genuinely read them and form their opinions from them. Newspapers are given a degree of control over public information; writers know exactly what reaction they want from readers and exactly how they want readers to think and exactly how to make that happen.  Journalism has gone beyond being a 'voice' and giving the public a 'right to know' to being able to fully sway public opinion on a particular issue.  I just think, as much as I want to be a part of it, the media is cunning - they hold the truth, in essence, and can choose how to give it to the public, what parts of the information to give and how some readers may think afterwards. It's just important to keep an open mind, not every article is going to be important or true, words are powerful tools.

'Be as you wish to seem...'

'Some people say dress for the job that you want, well, I say dress like the man you want to be'
 - White Collar, TV Series

Does any body watch White Collar? I love it!! I spent like two days getting through the first two seasons (I know, two whole days but, I regret nothing)  and now on to the third.  Basically I feel like I've watched so many episodes that I have started to convince myself how cool it would be to be in the FBI. Or at least think like an FBI agent... Like being able to pick locks and trip security wires and work under cover and create a new identity just on the spot. Yeah, I am officially hooked.  And that has nothing to do with the main character...if you know what he looks like, then you will know exactly what I mean... if not well then...

Source: Tumblr

I was watching an episode and there was something someone said that really stuck with me: '...dress like the man you want to be.' Very similar to a quote by Socrates - 'be as you wish to seem.'

Dress like the man you want to be...dress like the man you want to be...dress like the man you want to be...

It may sound silly but there is something quite positive about dressing like the person you want to be. I think that the type of clothes you wear can have a major impact on who you are, your mood and what you are thinking, after all, its the ultimate form of expression isn't it?  At first, I thought this quote was just about suits because, we all know, that a guy in a suit looks so much... classier, but I think this can be applied in general. It's why we have uniforms in schools or in the workplace.  Clothes aren't just things we wear, it's part of our appearance and a small part of who we are and how we choose to express that side of us.  It's the reason why you can put on that dress and feel like a model, genuinely.  I don't know about you but if I simply put on a pair of heels, I instantly feel more confident about myself and where I'm going.  I think it is important to dress like the person we want to be, the person we want people to see you as.  Your style can say so much about you and just knowing that 'yeah, I look good' can give you a little boost.  I say little because, while I think it is important, it is by now means the be all and end all, ultimately, its just an added extra factor.

be as you wish to seem...be as you wish to seem...be as you wish to seem...be as you wish to seem...

Source: Tumblr

There is something so infinitely true about this. About being as you wish to seem.  A simple yet great example of this would be confidence, or lack of confidence. It's the idea that even though you may be tremendously shy, scared or insecure inside, you put your game face on and do whatever it is you have to do with the confidence, self-assurance and certainty of a hero. And sure enough, that is what you become, eventually. I knew someone at Uni who would walk around like she was Beyonce-friggin-Knowles - so much confidence and yet, before every presentation we had, every-time we had to talk in class or every time she participated in moots she would tell me, in extensive detail, just how much she was really bricking it. But of course, no one knew that.  She seemed confident and extremely self-assured and, to be honest, that can be enough sometimes. If people believe it then soon enough, you will too, soon enough that is who you become.

Being as you wish to seem...  Ultimately, I guess, it's the story of the actor, who has to be a character, so much so that audiences are convinced.

Source: Tumblr

Source: Tumblr

*On a completely different note, I am trying to sort out the layout of my blog and make it look.. better? If anyone can help and is a whiz at these sorts of things or could point me in the right direction I would love you forever! Thanks!!

Let the Games Begin...

The London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony has been shrouded in mystery for the past couple of months, but now, that mystery has been lifted and the world was treated to a spectacular show of events.  

Directed by Danny Boyle, director of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire, we were taken on a historical journey of Britain’s past.  Starting with the Victorian ages, we saw performances about the industrial revolution, the women suffragettes of the 19^th century and the introduction of the National Health Service.  There has been a lot of talk and debate about whether London’s opening ceremony would be able to beat that of Beijing's majestic display in the last Olympic games, but I really think that the two are so different that it would be hard/unfair to compare.  Beijing’s opening ceremony was timed perfection; it was great, it was spectacular, it was grand, and that is what the world loved about it. 

Fast forward four years and we have London. Last nights opening ceremony was so different in all the right ways – it was a well represented show of Britain. It was quintessentially British; Heart-warming, exciting, informative, humorous and truly inspiring. I loved that Mr Bean made a special appearance in the ceremony! My siblings and I grew up watching Mr Bean on our TV’s and so to see him again on screen brought a great sense of nostalgia. 

He was my fave.

Also, who knew that the Queen could act??! 

It was quirky little moments like that, I think, that really worked in tying to whole ceremony together.  Credit where credit is due, Danny Boyle and the thousands of volunteers, dancers and singers did a great job – I felt like was watching something at the theatre, it was that theatrical.  One of my favourite parts (apart from Mr Bean!) would be the musical montage, showing the story of a typical family and what they get up to, we saw the 60’s, 70’s, rock, The Beatles, and of course, being in London and all, Grime/RnB from Dizzee Rascal himself.  Dizzee Rascal performing at the Olympic Ceremony?? Erm what?? Who saw that coming!? 

Emeli Sande also performed ‘Abide With Me’ which was a beautiful rendition of the song.  One of the best artists around at the moment, she was stunning.

Also, I’d like to take some time to acknowledge Tim Berners-Lee, one of the guys who invented the World Wide Web. Yes. The World Wide Web.  What an accomplishment that is!! He invented the Internet, like, imagine. And he is British, here’s me thinking he was American or something. If that isn’t inspiring theeeeen I don’t know what is.

The Olympic Ceremony is always a majestic affair, no matter what country is hosting it.  When all the countries parade with their flag and team mates you can’t help but think about the diversity of humanity. With 205 countries participating in this year’s Olympics (Team Nigeria and Team GB represeeeeeeeeent...)  it was great to see all the teams, the big and the small, walk on with each other, in all the many outfits.  The Olympics shows us diversity in all different colours, genders, religions, sizes, shapes and I think that is why so many people love it; it gives a sense of unity that is global, you can’t escape it. 

Mohammed Ali was there.  Need I say more? Mohammed Ali.  What did they say about him... that he was champion of the earth... or something like that.  It was great to see him as a part of it, even if it was for only a while.  The man is a legend, no doubt about it, and just his presence, I think, is enough to strike emotion and inspiration in to the hearts of many.

Maybe I’m a sucker for these type of things but I loved it, and besides, the Olympic games come around only every four years – may aswell enjoy it!

What did you guys think of the ceremony if you watched it?  Did you like it? Do you agree or disagree?

'Sport has the power to change the world' – Nelson Mandela. Well, he ain’t wrong.