In the run up to the G8 we had encouraged WDM activists to attend the alternative events and a handful got back to us saying that they were going which was fantastic news. Now imagine this, Leila and I are wandering around Brussels bleary eyed trying to find our midnight sleeper train to Germany, discussing who we think we might be sharing a couchette (sleeper) with for the next 8 hours. We then board safely, introduce ourselves to our room mates only to discover that two of them are from the WDM South West London local group! So our plan to go straight to sleep is scuppered and we head to the dining cart to discuss plans for the G8 and get acquainted.
After the 13 hour journey we made our way to the activist camp based in Rostock that is housing thousands of activists. What strikes you as you enter the camp is the sense of calm and tranquility of the place and how efficiently it is being run. There is a comprehensive information point at the front which details all you need to know about the coming day -activities, workshops, training, demonstrations, maps, cultural events, lifts to venues and more. the camp itself has now become a central information for trying to piece together all of what is going on. The camp is also split into different zones that people manage collectively and there is a central food point,run by activists on the campsite that serves lovely vegan food.
We pitch our tent, attach the all important WDM flag so other WDMers can find us. We then set off to get our bearings and scope out the alternative summit. It is a rather funny site as we try to negotiate the muddy campsite with a wheelie suitcase full of materials!
The alternative summit is taking place across a range of venues, from churches to comedy clubs to boats - the information site itself is inside a circus tent - and it is here that we set up the WDM stall so that we can share information as widely as possible.
We then hear about a protest at the nearby airport that is happening to 'welcome' George Bush's arrival. Keen to get involved with a demonstration we join a group making their way to the airport. But as is often the case with these things up-to-date information is difficult to come by especially with the President able to change his plans at a moments notice. Torrential rain, and trying to find your way around an unknown area does not help. Then after learning that the police are blocading the entrance to the airport we decide to cut our losses and turn back and take in the opening plenary at the alternative summit.
We are both incredibly tired, it has been a long journey and we have jumped straight into the thick of things - we have one more preparatory meeting this evening, and then we will be retreating to our tent ear plugs and eye masks at the ready so that we can take full part in the alternative summit tomorrow.
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