I work near Ladbrook Grove and as such I am in the heart of the Notting Hill experience – I mean the black and multi-cultural version not the ‘white/ middle-class / blanked out version’ as portrayed in the film.  It’s a lovely area but what is clear is the extremes of wealth and poverty in the borough  – never have I seen such a grand example of the social divide.  Right now the preparations for the carnival are in motion - I am talking about the physical area.   I can see the streets being prepared by the delivery of the ’barriers’ ready for distribution.  For me the ’barriers’ are part of the ‘art’ of the festivities the ‘caracture’ and the costume - a social analogy mimicking and reinforcing the division – the divide in the borough – they too are part of the spectacle.   The carnival and mass bands have been preparing for the carnival for over a year – of course you know deciding on themes, designing and making costumes, raising money, training musicians and dancers.  There is definitely a good vibe and a buzz in the air. 

I am so excited!

Lauretta

I went out with Diane and two friends on Friday.  Dianes’ friend Timi had invited her to a cultural event about the African Village he comes from.  Oh yeah and he had a cousin …. who he wanted me to meet.  We had a very interesting evening first a meal then towards the venue for the talk, very interesting and thought provoking.  What was funny we were all tired and were drinkingRed Bull.  Following the event we went to the Blagg club down Ladbrook Grove, London, excellent – we danced ’till three.  We were the ‘fun couples’- you know the type when you go into a club and they dance and laugh all night.  It was great.  Following this we had jerk chicken outside the club.  Having not derived enough pleasure from this memorial night we then bought some goodies and came to mine and had some drinks and treats and talked till dawn.

Oh and his cousin – what a hunk ….

Lauretta

When returning form work I met up with my neighbour a very sweet man – I love his dread locks and we always complement each others hair.  He is 15 years older than me but as you know BLACK DON’T CRACK so he looks  at least 15 years younger not bad.  I’m pretty new here so we spoke about our ‘village’.  We spoke about life and love – we spoke bout relationships he had met a young lady whilst on holiday in Africa.  We spoke for what seems like hours about life – once more I gained insite to how (some) black men think.  He is a nice guy and soon we were joined by my other neighbour who is a black man – he told us he was getting married to a lady from his home land.  These guys are both real nice, hard working gentlemen with a zest for life.  Once more I was inspired.

Lauretta