So after the riots in London City Centre last week that saw violence, vandalism and anger embark upon Trafalgar Square, why, you might wonder, would I spend my Saturday afternoon roaming the streets of London in search of a fight?
The reason being was the this fight was no ordinary fight, this fight I had been preparing for my whole life...This fight, was The Worlds Biggest Pillow Fight!
Armed with my pillow, I made my way to our meeting point. But before even reaching Trafalgar, I was surrounded by fellow pillow fighting enthusiasts, dressed in an array of colourful costumes, giant bananas, elephants and tigers, some in their pj's, some dressed as rock stars. But no matter what the costume, they all had one thing in common, they had all come armed with a smile!
Londoners have become renowned for there cold, blank faces, unfriendly nature and general refusal to acknowledge others unknown to them. After living here for two years, I too have found myself guilty of avoiding eye contact, staring blankly into space and avoiding interaction with strangers, a habit I have recently made a conscious effort to break.
However, on this Saturday afternoon, even before the pillow fighting had commenced, 300 + Londoners were together in one place, smiling, laughing and willingly open to meeting new people.
This refreshing vibration of positive London energy was only encouraged by the warm and mostly sunny weather, uplifting the already high spirits of those waiting in anticipation. It was certainly a good day for a fight.
The starting horn was blown and so the fighting commenced. Nothing but laughter and giggles could be heard for the next 30 minutes as over 300 people proceeded to bash each other from head to toe with their pillow of choice. There was no menace, no attempt at sabotage, just pure child like fun.
Cheers could be heard for miles as the first feather pillow burst up into the air, the wind capturing each feather,spreading them over the crowd. A beautiful picture compared to the scenes the previous weekend.
As the closing horn was sounded 30 minutes later and hundreds of pillows were thrown into the air, I couldn't help but reflect on how lucky it felt to be living in London right at that moment.
We are living in what can be called tough times. Recession, cuts, high unemployment and natural disasters around the world, all just a few of the day to day challenges we face in our daily lives.
But for half an hour last Saturday afternoon all that could be forgotten. You may be reading this and thinking, how silly, how immature... If this is your thinking, then my friend grab a pillow, start a fight and see how long you last before the giggle fits hit you....
Smile, have fun, be happy!
