Anyone got any vital Paralympics tips for me?

[DontCallMeBaby]

DD and I are going to the volleyball at the Excel on Saturday - I am packing all my usual freaking out about doing something new into the six days between getting tickets and actually going, instead of spreading it over weeks!

We're getting the train. I need to remember my credit card to collect tickets at the station, and to remember my railcard.

I have print-at-home tickets. I know I can just show them to Tube etc staff as I don't have our included travelcard.

I'm going to do a packed breakfast for the train, taking snacks, and buying lunch and dinner out. I will take at least one water bottle which I will ensure is empty before we go through security.

I need to make a note of how to get from Paddington to North Greenwich (we're going to take the cable car across instead of going straight to the Excel).

My backpack is 2l above the maximum stipulated but I figure if I don't pack it full it'll be okay, it definitely will fit on my lap if not under the seat.

My big concern is getting back. The event finishes at 8pm, and I would like to stay to the end, for the medals. But it's an hour and a half until the ONLY train we can get home, and I don't think I can take the risk. Is transport as much affected as it's supposed to be? Have we got s chance of getting a taxi maybe?

[DontCallMeBaby]

We're on the train! Little Mandeville is feeling very intimidated by Big Mandeville in the seat in front of us. In is finally out - we are layered up for a 10 degree start and forecasts up to 27 degrees, bearing in mind we only have one small rucksack, but we were still cold on the platform.

DD has a television screen in front of her and, just like at home, this is causing her to forget to eat breakfast. Haven't realised I've forgotten anything yet, though had a panic at the ticket machine when first I thought I'd omitted to book our return tickets, and then thought I was missing a ticket!

Got a contingency plan - if we miss our train back we're going to my friend in Bristol, we'd get there at gone midnight but it's better than being stranded in London!

DD has been briefed about the high-fiving.

[DontCallMeBaby]

SUN is finally out, that should read.

[DontCallMeBaby]

Well, we are in a cafe outside the Excel killing time cos we're so early! Hoping we'll be able to get something okay for lunch inside as there's not much round here - kind of wish we'd mooched around N Greenwich longer and gone to Wagamama! Cable car was ace, reduced price for having a Paralympic ticket. Got our actual travel cards from the ticket office here - was asked for ID at Paddington tube when using our event tix, wouldn't want that palaver on the way back!

DD is excited, but complaining of being tired already. She hasn't lost mini-Mandeville yet!

[PurpleAndPoppyWearer]

I hope you had a good day and worked out that your tickets will have included a day pass to see anything else going on at Excel today?

Plenty of food inside, but seating/tables are in the spectator zones.

[DontCallMeBaby]

I think DD would lynch me if I took her out of the volleyball now. Running pretty late though, so think we will be missing the final match. First one was awesome! Two hours scooting about on your arse - am exhausted just from watching it!

Oh - DD has high-fived two games makers, so has mini-Mandeville, DD has worn a pointy hand, and we have had our photo taken. I am glossing over the games maker who tried to nick my cider!

[DontCallMeBaby]

We went to Wagamama after all btw - Stratford! Decided an extra two hours in the Excel wasn't that appealing so hopped back on the DLR.

[EdgarAllanPond]

brilliant -we had a fabulous day! woww!!

drunk now.

[DontCallMeBaby]

Heh, no drinking here yesterday, we got back not long before midnight. Had a big lie-in but am still exhausted. It was an amazing day though - it was like the London of my dreams, everyone cheerful and friendly and the public transport running like clockwork!

We left two sets in to the final match, at quarter to eight!