It seems that my working life over the last week has revolved around football stadiums, because on Tuesday I found myself yet again at a football stadium. The crowd surfing stadium. And this time it wasn't football and it wasn't a concert. This time around it was a lot of youngsters being herded by riot police.
I've been on two riot police tests before and it's always fun to see. Of course the situation is not real, because if it were just 'test over' (or something like that) is not going to stop a lot of young men trying to break through police lines. They will not stick to the (provided) potatoes, but will also take rocks and bricks and paving stones. Of course it being an annual test, the police want to test and see what works and what doesn't, but they don't want people to break the law, damaging stuff or hurting people.
For us drivers it was boring really. After dropping our group of over 200 people of, they were herded through an estate on their way to the stadium. And then we were told we had to be 'available' if needed. So, we were stuck a bit. The weather turned as well. It had started off really nice and sunny and even warm, but the fog rolled in and so did the cold. When we made it into the stadium the warmth didn't exactly hit us like a ton of bricks either. It was actually rather cold there. We had our dinner of paper plates, standing up, in the semi-dark and in the cold!
After the potato throwing (600 young people against the riot police) we were finally able to go home. So, I turned on the engine of my (finally fixed) coach, turned on the heating and sat freezing in the driver's seat for the next hour and a quarter, since the front heater had packed in! I was a happy girl on Tuesday. Oh yeah...
I can imagine the acting getting out of hand - but then that's a better test for the police isn't it? Hope you've thawed out now - it's miserable getting cold right into your bones.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, the thought of busing a group of happy, contented kids to a riot seems odd to me.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, never a dull moment.
ReplyDeleteWell, I suppose the police have to practice on someone. Very interesting, but not much fun for poor you.
ReplyDeleteLuv, K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Oh, I'd have loved to see the potato throwing! What fun! I bet they can hurt, too..
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame they didn't give you a few potatoes. That would have kept you warmer!
Ah this football ! everywhere the same ! Throwing potatoes is still better than tomatoes, lol ! Poor you !
ReplyDeleteI am actually in Amsterdam, my first grandchild was born on wednesday !