Bridget Ndlovu-Jones' Blog

I don't often yell in public - but the yesterday at the carnival I did. 5 hours before it was due to start I had positioned myself right by the ledge of the veranda of this pub - from my seated position the ledge was sort of neck height - and I could comfortably rest my right arm over it, a perfect position for taking pictures. Sorted.

So...everything was orderly for most of the afternoon until the Harley Davidsons came roaring down the street announcing the beginning of the festivities. Everyone inside the pub came rushing out on to the balcony (as to be expected) but I was fine in my chair. A little hemmed in, but fine.

Next thing, this guy starts leaning on the back of my neck so he could see over my head shoving his camera right in front of my face! WTF! And I'm not talking gentle leaning - I'm talking heavy inconsiderate leaning like  my shoulders were the ledge. My exposed throat was now pinned against the ledge and my eyes started to water. I shoved him back as best I could and 'nicely' let him know that that wasn't going to work and he mumbled some kind of apology (Strike One!)

Thirty seconds later he proceeded to do the same thing - as if I'd had a mini case of amnesia. And once I'd freed my neck I swiveled round and shouted at him to "BACK UP" and "GET OFF!" One of my mates, in a show of solidarity, poked him with her handbag as he backed off! (Strike Two).

I know it's hard competing with the LOUD carnival music - and I don't know what he thought I said but as soon as I turned back around he leaned in behind me and in a shouty, flirty whisper said, by way of explanation (I can only think) "Sorry, Ï'm from Mozambique" to which I yelled "I DON'T GIVE A SHIT WHERE YOU'RE FROM!" (Strike Three)

Arrrggghhh.. I'm a racist.