It is with huge regret that I acknowledge that the summer is over, and I have not done a single post during it! I'd like to say that this is because I have been rushed off my feet, jet-setting all over the world. Unfortunately, I have just been in the UK watching my tan fade...
This summer has done me well though, with spending lots of time with family and friends. And the dreaded job hunt. But lets not dwell on that part!
One of the most memorable events was London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic games. (Yes, I'm jumping on that band wagon.) Due to lack of money and foresight to buy tickets, I contented myself with watching it on the big screens, enjoying the Olympic opening ceremony in the spectacular setting of Winchester Cathedral with one of my best friends. I also met my family in Greenwich to watch the Closing Ceremony on the screen at the Old Royal Naval College. The sea of people that descended on the grass-turned-to-dust created such a thrilling atmosphere! It was just a shame that we had to weave our way out at 10 o'clock to get the last train home.
So I didn't see much of the Olympics, but I was pleased to be able to hook my family up with some tickets to the Paralympics, thanks to my lovely employers (even if I did have to work while they were all enjoying themselves).
In other news, I experienced Nottinghill Carnival for the first time! I have to say, while I had a lovely day out (and the weather did co-operate), I was not all that amazed. There was too much rubbish, too much pushing and not enough dancing for my liking! The smell of chocolate all over sweaty, alcohol-sodden people still lingers on my jacket...
What did impress me about Nottinghill was the colour and vibrancy of costumes (although they weren't as spectacular as I had been led to believe) and of the way in which people dealt with their litter...
And the heights people would scale to get a good view...
There were even some residents of Nottinghill sitting on window ledges and rooftops, most of whom I was very envious of. Firstly for living in Nottinghill, and secondly for not having to deal with being pushed, shoved, splattered with chocolate and having prams shoved into their ankles. But I am making it sound as if I didn't enjoy it at all, which is not the case. There were also many great smells coming from the traditional Caribbean food stalls, and traditional crafts such as these Shekeres, and the handwoven baskets, below.
But the most entertaining part, for me, was the preparation that the residents of Nottinghill had put into it. All the shops were shuttered, people were lending out their toilets, and this sign: 'This too shall pass' summed up the day for me. There were scary crowds, loud music, various smells (not all good) and music thrumming in my ears, but I knew that it would not last forever, so I enjoyed it as best I could, rather than just waiting for it to pass.
