Well well, what an intense day. Still not arrested though, but a bit more notorious to say the least.Today was, as I expected, more about goofy green protesting than tomorrow is shaping up to be. Police presence like a bad rash, and everybody nervous.
I felt like a professional though, I don't know if that sounds good or not, but I clearly knew my way around antsy cops and counter-protesters. Surprised myself with how prepared I was, and played it safe (ish) from start to finish.
Started the day at a peaceful human banner on Bondi beach put on by the tamest green group on the planet, Get Up! Australia. I think all they're trying to accomplish is getting rich people to drive their lexus just a little less.
Spent the afternoon at Hyde park, especially with the peacebus people, where I was put into circulation as the go-to guy and built about 17 dancing skeleton people and countless skull lanterns. Basically I got to saw and hammer a lot of stuff, and was quite content.
The real highlight though, without hesitation, came when I summoned the courage to speak at the open mic. One of the bravest moments of my life, really. To have the audacity to speak to a large public about your thoughts in a matter which you feel is both unique and potent comes with some amount of trepidation. In the end I didn't speak as well as I could have, but it was my first time, I got a lot of applause, and a couple people came up to me afterwards and said thanks. Feedback I desperately needed, as my confidence was pretty rock-bottom.
The night ended up with lots of rain, some bared bums, and a diva dance party with all the stuff we'd built. Not exactly a tough protest so far, but I'm pretty sure Aussies just don't care enough to run a full riot out of this thing. It's good for me though, I don't need the temptation of hearing the wall is coming down. That would be very bad.
Tomorrow's rally starts at 10am, I'll keep you in the loop after that...
-n
p.s. Blogger is screwing up, and I can't get any more photos up. Hopefully tomorrow I can put up all my vids and whatnot.
3 comments:
Nick, what's a "bogan"?
Nick.
Please.
Be Careful.
Remember what I said about Middle Back... and if people in the front are running... so should you.
Be Careful.
Hey Nick! I don't understand why you would protest such a benevolent organization like APEC? They have "economic cooperation" in their name, and from what I remember from Sesame Street - cooperation is good! You see, we force 9 year old Chinese kids to make us Nike shoes, while they send our babies toys painted with lead paints. COOPERATION IS AWESOME!!!
Post a Comment