So here we are, in sunny Brisbane, Awestralia, on the day after the G20. For most of the world the event lasted two days, but for us here in Brisbane it seems to have been going on for months. We have been peppered with mixed messages all year. At one moment we were being warned of potential terrorist attacks and violent and disruptive protesters. The next we were hearing the benefits of democracy extolled. One moment we were being told about road closures, traffic chaos, public transport disruptions and heavy security around a rather large exclusion zone. The next were being begged to come into town and join in the fun of the expensive G20 Cultural Celebration. In the event the terrorists stayed away altogether along with the large proportion of Brisbane residents who took advantage of the long weekend to go elsewhere. The protests were peaceful and creative, with people dressing up, creating events and generally performing for the huge international media contingent. Th
'Contemplating the teeming life of the shore, we have an uneasy sense of the communication of some universal truth that lies just beyond our grasp.' - Rachel Carson