The world at the top of my street

You know it has been a  strange kind of world at the top of my street for the past week. A bit like climbing The Magic Faraway Tree and discovering a new world complete with Saucepan Man banging pots and little elves playing drums and dancing to Elfish songs. A bit like Maleny Folk festival from many years ago.

Me in Taxim two days ago

There were even folk selling fairy floss and balloons for the children and their families.

  

And other folk playing drums, while men and women danced. No one drinking, just dancing and singing.

Campers in tents filled with teddy bears.

Food stalls, T-shirt sellers, Kebab -twirlers, even a library. 

  A bit of flag-waving on upturned cars.

And the like 

Oh and a bit of defiant fist-power as well!

 

You know as with any protest there are definitely unsavoury elements and the level of graffiti on the buildings and mosques has been saddening...but it has been a fascinating experience seeing people come together and create this world in the heart of a city.

Fascinating and yet worrying.