The run in to the start of the London Olympic Games has been filled with stories about security problems, possible strikes and transport chaos threatening to put a dampener on events.

A visit to the Olympic Park this Friday - a week before the opening ceremony - went a long way towards calming most of my fears.

To begin with the transport from central London to the venue was relatively fast and stress free, picking up a press bus in Russell Square in central London and travelling to the Olympic Park in 40 minutes. Not bad considering that restricted Olympic transport lanes in the center of town do not close to general traffic until July 25.

Despite rumors to the contrary, security also appeared to be tight, while at the same time smart, polite and competent.

Although they will not be fully stretched until the Games get under way, the troops looking after security gave off an aura of efficiency. They may have been drafted in to cover for the much publicized failures of the private company G4S, but that may just go to prove that in some areas it is better not to put all of your faith in private enterprise.

For what it counts, the process of validating press credentials was also swift, painless and friendly.

While it is true that there are still plenty of workmen on site, the overall impression is that they are merely putting the finishing touches to the work, spreading the last of the gravel, putting in the last plants etc, and that everything is well under control and ready to go once the plastic coverings have been lifted off the rubbish bins.

The atmosphere is relaxed and smiles rather than snarls seem to be the order of the day: the guides are helpful and friendly and do their best to help. Indeed what was striking was the friendliness and pride that was evident in everyone we spoke to.

As members of the Cuban diving team went through a practice session, the official responsible for the spectacular aquatic arena showed us exactly where we will be sitting in the press gallery and resolved any questions.

One of his companions took us around the media center for the swimming events and once again nothing was too much trouble: the only problem could be that with that center holding less than 300 journalists, space may be at a premium during finals.

Speaking to one of the participants in the opening ceremony walking towards the Olympic Stadium, she commented on the fantastic atmosphere and the 'incredible vibe' among them as the big day approaches, while a peek inside the Stadium itself gave a glimpse of what the ceremony itself may look like. Without giving too much away, the word 'rustic' springs to mind and when I say 'rustic' I really do mean green hills, trees and flowers.

"I'm a drummer," another participant told me in the stands. "..but we won't have any problem if we have to perform in the rain," he may not know it, but for once the English rain has been our ally. In May the press was full of stories of how poisonous caterpillars from the Oak Processionary Moth could be a threat to visitors to the Games. The good news is that the rain seems to have put paid to them all.

The better new is that by the start of next week, the sun is predicted to put in a long overdue appearance, like everything else here in London, it seems to be on schedule.