As the number 25 made its way through a dreary Edinburgh I was having second thoughts about what to do. Rain whipped the windows hard. And in the world outside trees bent in the wind. I watched people hurrying in the streets, desperately trying to find a dry place to hide. I sat there facing a major decision. Either I could pretend like today was just any other day and get off the bus and grab a coffee in a comfy couch in one of the high street cafes. I could sit there with my head in the sand and forget all about today’s promises. Or I could follow through my initial plan. To stand up for what I believe in. To join a cause that deserves all the attention it can get. I could get out of that bus and meet up with a group that I had wanted to be a part of for a very long time. I could fight my way through the pouring rain and walk for the Arctic together with Greenpeace. In the end I chose not to flight and arrived at The Hub just after 1pm. I had chosen to be a part of the Edinburgh Iceride.
I wish I could tell you that there was a mass waiting to march. That the countless bikes couldn’t fit on the pavement so they leaked out onto the streets. That children and parents together joyfully waved their light blue flags. But this was not the case. Under the dark gloomy sky only a handful of people had turned up to show their support. For a second I felt doubt in my heart and soul. Did I have the courage to walk the streets so utterly visible? In a mass-demonstration you become an integrated part of the flowing stream of people. Faceless. Anonymous. Strength in numbers. I grew weary but my legs crossed the street as if they had a mind of their own and before I knew it the nervousness was gone. I have never felt so strong or so happy or such pride. For once I had stepped outside my comfort zone to raise my voice against a lingering threat. And I enjoyed every second of it. I felt empowered and I felt right at home.
At 1.30pm the Edinburgh Iceride began. A few more people had joined in and with the polar bear in the lead we made our way up the Royal Mile towards the castle. Our furry friend got a lot of greetings and high fives and numerous strokes. It was wonderful to see how faces lit up as soon as they saw him. He posed and danced and enjoyed the limelight in front cameras and smart phones. Our group got a fair deal of attention and for every step we took it felt like we grew in numbers. Being a photographer I had offered my services to cover the Iceride and donate all images to Greenpeace. My camera loved the task and every photo was a record of people enjoying the moment as they marched for a common belief. That it is up to us to save the Arctic from oil companies’ greedy hands and disastrous drilling.
We walked through the city Centre and amazingly enough the sun had decided to show its face and shine upon our path. Only a few moody clouds lingered and the harsh rain no longer spat in our faces. It felt like a good omen to have the golden globe accompanying us on our mission as we got closer to the end of the route – a petrol station bearing the logo of destruction – Shell. At arrival a letter was delivered to the staff at the garage and flyers were handed out to passer-byers. Our polar bear hid his head in his hands at the thought of what might become of his once so magnificent icy home. He needs our help. And I am so happy that I followed through and walked with Greenpeace for the Arctic. It was my first time taking action for a cause I feel so strongly about – but it is safe to say that it was not the last. This is just the beginning!
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