It's normally such a quiet street...

This isn't the view you want to see when you casually cast a 'coup d'oeuil' out of the window, mid housework, is it?

I think the best way to describe it is a 'considerable' police presence, creating a road block at the end of my street.  Now I know that sometimes I play my music loud, but is this really necessary?

Anyway, it turns out that my moaning neighbour hadn't made her complaint official - as she keeps anonymously threatening - the police were just setting up shop, preparing for a protest march.  

In one of those 'it's amazing what you can get used to' moments, I figured I'd best get out of the house and do my grocery shopping....after all, the police blocking the street isn't a sign that getting in and out is going to be easier as the day progresses.  And I've been here before.  Seems my street is on the traditional 'manifestation' route.

So I go do some shopping and come back to the house.  Alas, getting to my house is a pipe dream.  The police presence has been multiplied and the protest is in full swing.  

The protest is for a worthy enough cause - Palestine for Palestinians, stop bombing Gaza, etc.  Anyone who has read my blog for a while will know of my treatment at the hands of the Israelis - so it won't surprise you that I'm kind of with the Palestinians on the Gaza thing.  Anyway, the problem du jour is that I can see my house, but can't cross the street to get to it.

Luckily I had my camera, so here's a shot of the mob in front of TBNIL Towers.  Classy, non?

So I stood and watched, but didn't join in with the singing.  The mix of people was surprising - all ages, colours and walks of life were there.  Seems there's nothing like a good cause to bring out the solidarity; the spirit of '68 and all that.  

Finally I got home, but as I type this, the protest continues.  It's been three hours now and doesn't look like it's coming to an end. They've even set up a prayer station outside the HSBC.

On a lighter note - I'm pretty certain that Debbie is sleeping with her German counterpart.  More on this as the tale progresses, but suffice to say that being in the office with them last week was painful.  Ah, young love...