Festival Madness!

I managed to make it to the Colloquium. Those who know my 'The Indian, The Criminal and the Japanese Tourist' story in India probably won't be surprised.

It took place in SKD stadium, which I found out stood for Samual Kanyon Doe, the former president who came to power in a military coup in 1980.

The youth event had taken place on the Friday, but the main events were taking place on Saturday and Sunday to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. This was the big event. The event that’s been over two years in the making.

It was a bit crazy, and chaotic. Last minute rushing, printing of passes, jostling of seats and placements. The schedule listed a 9am start on Saturday. But that didn’t happen.

It was the first time so many heads of state were in the country in probably 30 years. Half of the heads of state and other important guests didn't arrive till later; some arrived direct from the airport after the 9am start. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrived through the awning, and I lined up with the paparazzi/press along the red carpet (the second time I've seen her in as many weeks!).

The opening ceremonies did start. But at around 11 rather than 9. Much of the morning and early afternoon were taken up with speeches. A plethora of speeches; interspersed with songs and drumming.

One of the speakers was Michaelle Jean, the Governor General of Canada. She had promised Ellen that she would be here, so she came. I didn’t manage to introduce myself; perhaps I should have! I’d never heard her speak before, but she gave a great speech, accounting lessons learned from her encounters with different women around the world.

In the stands, sat a band and a handful of spectators. I noticed the women in brightly coloured, matching garbs. It seemed some of the women had been invited by the president herself, and had traveled for days from their villages on bumpy roads to be there. I think a lot of people here haven’t seen an event like this before.

It was like a veritable festival. Outside, there were booths with food, posters, information and arts and crafts for sale. Alas, my shopping tendencies asserted themselves. I bought a bag. But it's fantastic – it’s plastic and made with EJS cloth. it's so kitsch!