G20 conference closed, and the media has focus on other new surprising and shocking news for two days. Of course, there are many analytical opinion about GB, Gordon Brown not Great Britain, haha~
In general, many British people are very proud of being the host in the important situation after credit crunch. The press seems to identify GB has climbed his political top moment. Some critics asked him to come back to the earth and to face the political reality in the UK.
It seems that british priministers did lots of effort in international political issue and made quite successful. But domestic politics was still violent, and they were attacted by thier own fellow people seriously, like Churchill, Tony Blair. GB was the "pusher" who made Blair's stepping down quicker. So it is not too surprised to see GB got lots of sarcastic words from the press.
01/04/09
My wife and I were curious about it and went to Excel to see how the protest was but the protesters were gathering in the Bank area. Arriving Canning Town first, there was full of peaceful atmosphere though some police officers walking around. We took on a bus to custom house where Excel was located. The police officers told us that the station was shut down with the coming of the conference. So we went to Royal Victoria by DLR, just one stop. We took off the DLR and walked to EXCEL. We were both a bit afraid to be caught by the Police. There was no protester but just journalists. When walking to the main road toward EXCEL, we had no idea if we could go further so we "dived" into a pub in Crown Plaza.
Ironically, we could see the Excel in the end of the road clearly, but we dared not go further. We ordered two cups of coffee and two pieces of crossaints, which was 4 pound in total. Crown Plaza was very generous to deliver such economic snack. Having our snack, we also looked around the road. There were police officers hanging around, they were not very serious I supposed.
Then we got a plan: go further!
We pretended to be tourists and made photos around that area. The area was still full of peaceful atmosphere. Finally, we reached the line, which stood many polic officers in front of us. We took some photos and turned right to the docks area.
We were scared really.
When going to the docks area, we also saw some small shops beside the river. I forgot to introduce the environment. The area is regenerated recently and there are lots of new tall apartments and hotels. We were very interested in the renting price of those flats so we went to a property agency to ask about it.
The agent clarified what we needed and listed several properties around that area. We started our viewing flat tour...Wierd, our main purpose was to see the scene of G20 conference but turned to the tour of viewing flat.
I have to admit, the flats were much better than where we live now. But we live in Zone 1, well, near Liverpool Street Station. Royal Victoria station was far from the centre and the price of these flats were even higher than our current property. Of course, the flats were all newly built and involving GYM and concierge. We could view the river from the windows and the sun was shining in the living room. It was really the moment of peace, and we had forgotten the G20 conference at all.
After viewing these flats, we went back home. Arriving Liverpool Street Station, we finally saw the protesters gathering in Bishopgate.
Wow...
It was like a cultural event, and there were various kind of cultural performance on the street. It was full of peace though thousands of people gathered. The ambulances and horses were standing by. The sun was still shining warmly.
Shooting some photos, we went to a cafe' to enjoy a afternoon tea. Some people bringing cameras and video cameras came after us. They were taking a break I supposed. The cafe' was opposite to the spitalfield market. The cafe' was decorated in antique style which attracting many tourists coming to enjoy the "britishness" air.
However, when we went home and read the news from website, we were shocked by the violent pictures in Bank area. Police officers and protesters were all injured.
There was no winner in the protest.
Those who really should be blamed for were not judged yet. People and Government both got hurt sadly.
G20 has made an agreement which match various countries' needs. I wonder if it really works in the future.
However, I am optimistic person. My research, creative industries policy, may play more important role to deal with it.