The silent treatment

The Chinese Embassy is at the bottom of my crescent and everyday on the footpath directly opposite, protesters silently meditate towards the huge red flag whipping about in the Wellington breeze.

Sometimes there are lots of people sitting on the street, sometimes just one, but everyday, they're there, and have been for the whole time I've lived here (that's over two years).

I have a lot of love for the Chinese people, but the Chinese government has a history of being very dangerous, especially to groups who do not share their view.

I've always thought these silent - but very public - Falun Dafa protesters are very brave. I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do what they do. In fact, even sitting on a public street for an hour with my eyes shut would be pretty daunting ... (although that said, Tinakori Rd has to be one of the safest places in Wellington, what's the worst that could happen? ... licked to death by a poodle!?)

This man was sitting here when I walked into town and still sitting here when I walked back past about three hours later, I love his peaceful, earnest face and shoes so neatly placed beside him.

Sweet shot