Housing commission flats, Kensington.
I love that quirky cloud, a little whimsy, amongst the sadness.
The retro glory of the New Hamer Hall, not great if you don't like orange, but I'm definitely a fan.
Longing Nitin Sawhney
More elephants (see last post), I love Melbourne Zoo's elephants popping up in unexpected places, wearing curious coats.
Unfortunately, the night began with violence. As we hopped on a train to the city, we were met with the sounds of a woman screaming, really screaming, and the sight of her being pinned against a wall by a man twice her size. He was grinning as she tried to get away, clearly enjoying his power over the situation. She was screaming to be let go but he held her tight. There was that terrible moment where you want to help but you are frightened for your own safety, the guy was looking around as if wanting someone to challenge him. We called the police as the train pulled from the station, thoughts about the scene, and if the woman was ok, haunted me all evening, and still do.
When we arrived at the city something else had taken place, there were police everywhere and an enormous police truck was parked at Fed Square, where we were headed for dinner. A planned broadcast of the funeral of the Ethiopian Prime Minister had been cancelled, due to protests on the street about the human rights abuses of the ex Prime Minister. At the square, there was a large group of Ethiopians with candles, and they were gathered around the fed square stage listening to speakers. I don't know what they were saying. The mood was sad and distrusting. On the giant fed square screen large adds rolled by, presumably just the standard dross that is always on show, it felt really insensitive. Surely the screen could have been turned off when it was decided the funeral would not be broadcast, it seemed so disrespectful to the speakers. When I got home I hopped online to find out what had happened and had the unfortunate luck of hitting on Andrew Bolt's racist perspective of the event and a flow of hateful comments adding to his opinion.
It was a a night to remember that all is not well with the world, to be grateful for all that I have in our little blue nest, that we are safe, comfortable beyond words, and not hated for the colour of our skin. To be grateful for the beauty and joy of music.
Nitin Sawhney - Immigrant feat Nicki Wells
Linking with Maxabella Loves
