It wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without some teething problems at the start of the week and the 2008 festival was no exception.
But Elfed Roberts and his group of officials have not faced the same barrage - or should that be flood - of problems that have befallen them in the past.
Although it rained in the few days leading up to the Eisteddfod the Maes has held up remarkably well. Being so close to the River Taff, which is also prone to flood, must have been a worry at the back of Elfed and Hywel's minds bearing in mind last year's difficulties in Mold.
Traffic problems won't be a problem this year either. Parking is on a park and ride basis and many of those enjoying the sunshine this weekend will have been able to walk to the Maes from the city centre anyway. Some people, being typical Eisteddfod types, did complain about the distance from the city centre itself. Its a 20-minute walk to the nearest department store Mrs Jones - you'll save money once you get there so get the bus or a taxi!
Golf buggys are available to take people to the main gate anyway. But apparently these buggys, provided by S4C, are personalities themselves and children in particular are keen to ride them. So on Saturday there was a shortage of buggy places available for the more needy due to their popularity among the young. I don't think Elfed is going to insist on a doctor's note but only the more deserving will be carried in now by buggy.
Then there was the entrance itself. New fangled turnstile have been installed where you have to scan your ticket to get in. Gone are the days of the ticket being ripped in half. Well almost. Gate 2's electronic systme didn't work on Saturday so a solution was found. Although the IT man was spotted carrying a large hammer earlier it is believed he used a more subtle approach to solving the problem.
And then there's the media room. Bristling with satellite interweb technology none of the hacks and photographers could get to grips with its hyperfast use of the information super highway. We're not back to the old style of pencil and paper yet but I'm using the back-up to the back-up system at the moment.
And there was the biggest teething problem of all. The Eisteddfod, responding to previous criticism about the lack of financial facilities on the Maes, did something about it. In olden days you could cash a cheque, chat the tellers up and have a cup of tea on the Maes. But that went out years ago in the banks relentless drive for cash. Elfed and his team persuaded a leading local bank to install cash machines this year. But someone at the bank forgot that cash machines work best when there is cash in them. It was midday Sunday before that little teething problem was sorted out.
Oh and before I forget there was a musical group from somewhere in North Wales that set off for Cardiff on Saturday. Then had to turn back because one of the musicians had forgotten his instrument. Alls well that ends well - they got onto the stage and secured a prize.
