We got to the train station, and there was security EVERYWHERE. In the UK, due to anti-terrorism laws, notably the Terrorism Act 2000, Section 44 powers (stop and search), an individual can be stopped, searched, and all without "reasonable suspicion". We witnessed this occur again and again as we walked through the train station. What was amazing was the racism that went hand in hand with this. We were in a group consisting of 5 white middle class 20-somethings and we were barely glanced at, yet the Black young adults were clearly being questioned and harassed.
As we found some seats on the train, a group of Black men sat a few rows behind us. The train started to pull away from the station, suddenly stopped and a group of police rushed on the train. They ran past us, surrounded the group of Black men, and confusion ensued and there was words and slight threats thrown back and forth. The police made the group get off the train and more police joined them on the platform. And this point, there was mumbling of the fellow train riders. Surprisingly though, was the anger felt by everyone... towards the police! They were calling them racist and clearly seemed to detest them. Beth and I looked at each other in surprise, seeing how we felt so much safer with the police around, and appreciated their vigilance. Talking to the young adults that we were with, we learned that many people had a sense that the British police acted like, "Big fish in small ponds." Racism and corruption has embedded itself so deep that there is a disconnect and mistrust, especially in the young adult population.
Deep in thought, we made our way to Carnival. We squeezed on and off the tube in a rush of madness, Jamaican pride, and unprecedented anticipation of what was to come. To our dismay, the weather was scorchingly toasty, and Beth and I had both worn snow jackets. Silly silly girls. We weren't too concerned and were still thinking this was a cotton candy and fun little parade sort of event... (Turn back now Mom!)
And our misconception was quickly shattered...
We were thrown into a crowd of craziness, it was mid afternoon and every other person had a drink in their hand (it is legal in the UK to have an open container of alcohol in public). We stumbled into an outdoor rave, which was easily done seeing as how there was one every third corner or so. After reading up on it, turns out there was about 40 different DJ stations all throwing their own huge dance parties, but we only managed to make it to a few. Pot was abundant (no thank you), alcohol was cheap, and the food had an enticing aroma.
Thankfully, Beth and I were with locals, and the boys kept a very close eye on us. If anyone decides to go to Carnival, I would recommend only going with locals, who know their way around, because due to all the factors aforementioned, this was the perfect storm to get kidnapped or robbed in (Mom, I told you to stop reading a long time ago). Also, pure common sense and confidence goes a long way in crowds of these sorts. We saw part of a parade, ate some bbq-ed food, and I even got a raw coconut and drank its juice right from the shell. The music was amazing and very Bob Marley type of genre.
The night came to an end, and Beth and I survived unscathed and slightly shell shocked at what we had experienced. Overall, the people provided great "people-watching", the food was filling, and the entertainment was unending. It was a drastic contrast to the posh, prim, and proper London we had previously experienced, but I suppose the multifaceted personality of London is part of its enticement as a world destination.
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