can't do any more all nighters

I apologise for my short self righteous rant on the previous post. I think my experience going to the trade justice vigil all the more made me realise how little I know.

The night started at Westminster Abbey so Nicky (my flatmate) and I headed over there for about 10PM. We joined the long queue (as queuing seems to be what the night was about...) and still failed to get into the Abbey because both the Abbey and the overflow area was full. They hadn't anticipated the 15,000-20,000 people who showed up.

Nicky's mom, Jane, was there, who by the way was what tipped the decision to go and stay for the night. If her mom could do it, certainly I can too (although I'm feeling absolutely wasted today - can't do all nighters anymore it seems). We met up with Jane and headed to Whitehall to wait for the start of the vigil.

So many people. I could hear a youth group humming and playing on harmonica 'This Little Light of Mine'; college students singing with a guitar 'get up stand up'; a madman yelling for Tony Blair to wake up; chanting trade justice, trade justice; yelling, singing, talking, laughing, just plain noise making...

But here's the most beautiful moment for me. Right when Big Ben chimed midnight, all thousands of people fell silent for a minute (alright, all but un loco who sounded like a drunk guy), lifted their candles, said a prayer or offered a silent thought.

Immediately afterwards, all three of us headed to a debate on fair trade/free trade in St Margaret's church (which is right next to Westminster Abbey) which really challenged me to understand economics much better. I also attempted to watch a 90 minute film by Naomi Klein called 'The Take'. I say I attempted because I got into the theatre and slept through the first hour and ended up watching a third of it. I would recommend the little I watched though. And would like to see the first part of it when I'm in a better position to.

The morning ended with a march around Whitehall, Parliament, Embankment. I started out very zombie like, my body was moving but my mind was asleep. After about 20 minutes or so, someone started playing their bongo drums while marching, which brought life into me but Nicky and I headed back before we reached the final destination. I was exhausted by the time I got home but I remember walking away from the final march, looking back and feeling overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who came out. There were seniors and middle aged people, families and college aged. But what surprised me were the number of 15-18 year olds (probably more than half). Many of which held home made signs and brought instruments and noise makers. I don't remember caring for much more than 90210 when I was their age.

I rarely walk around London at night, but last night was quite surreal. Walking from venue to venue there were pockets of people together, some with candles lit and others with music. London felt safe and warm. It's rare for me to see the sunrise so although at that point I was tired, annoyed and irritated at myself for staying up, I momentarily was able to appreciate how beautiful it was when sunlight started appearing. Now it's time for bed.

Anyway, to all you reading, have a bloody good day.