London, England-The past sixteen days, this city has buzzed with elation and pride. Families draped in Union Jacks packed the tube, strangers talked to one another and for the first time in a long time Britons joined together in unfettered joy. It was a blessed relief to put aside the troubles our nation faces and feel a new patriotic emotional high every time a team GB medal was clocked. Even the infamous, intransient British summer cooperated. It was the best showing for the UK since 1908. The elation was a poignant counterpoint to the psychic tiredness from which Britain suffers.
