The party is over. The visiting army of fans, athletes, coaches and journalists that have been camped out in Beijing are taking to the skies and going home. The expected crush at the airport hasn’t materialized. The roads were clear heading out to the new Norman Forster confection on the outskirts of the city – it’s an odd number day on the roads – and the check-in queues no worse than a busy public holiday. The flight delays however are another matter.

There’s certainly a morning-after the night before feel and some far-away looks on many faces, preparing for long-flights home. Bodies are tired from over two weeks of watching, reporting and competing, compounded by the final blast of celebrations last night. And most people would agree it has been a blast, and the final hit of fireworks after the closing ceremony a fitting end.

The Bird’s Nest was so locked-down before and during the closing ceremony that it was difficult getting within half a mile of the stadium without official security passes. Around the perimeter areas, locals families and fans without tickets found positions to get a glimpse of the stadium and fireworks, or watch what was happening inside on the gigantic TV screens on Pangu Plaza that towers next to the stadium.

After the hand-over ceremony between China and the UK – this time going in Britain’s favour  – its London’s turn to be the holder of the Olympic flame.  There may be a feeling of burn-out here, but in four years time most foreign visitors to these Games will be ready to do it all over again in London.