Making connections

30 January 2009

WSF 2009

One recurring theme of the week has been the unpredictable phone service. Despite this lack of instant communication it is amazing we were able to find people in such a vast place. Nevertheless this random system of meeting up in a crowd of 100,000 people isn't always successful. This morning we spent a long time tracking down War on Want's Colombian partners Cactus in a hotel across the city - and an even longer time trying to find a bank that would accept Visa.

Finally, already an hour late, we set off to the Assembly of the Social Movements in the Via Campesina site. Upon our arrival we were told it was the Assembly was actually taking place at the other side of the city. We gave up the chase and went to the main site of the forum instead... only to find out that it was to take place at the original location and our information had been wrong. Dave, however, did make it to the right venue and still missed it, as it started four hours late!

On the plus side, as we were trying to figure where to go we spotted giant puppets and stilt walkers coming out of a gymnasium. We weren't entirely sure who was behind (or inside) them, but they were certainly amazing and brought smiles to everyone's faces.

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