The Day After

Last night, before boarding a plane to London, I was shocked. Six timed bombs had been detinated in the central district of London. The death toll was not announced. It was too soon to tell.

Terrible scenarios ran through my imagination. What if something happened to my friend, Jen? What if there are more attacks when I am there? What if my plane is directly effected? Not the kind of questions that help one sleep for 13 hours on a Boeing 767.

We touched down in London a half hour early. 5:06am. I was releived to learn that public transportation was limited and delayed, but that it remained mostly operational. Closed circut tvs (previously installed) monitor movement on buses and subway (tube) cars. Central London underground is closed for recovery and security purposes, but London life treads on. For most, at least.

Jen was fine and had stayed at a friend's flat as to avoid transit directly after the attacks. With some guidance from underground crew and a dash of creativity I navigated the bruised system to Jen's stop and we met.

Currently, the BBC reports that at least 50 people from different countries are dead. May they be at peace. In reaction, Blair echoed the post 9/11 sentiments of Bush and Guliani in saying that the British will remain vigilant and continue their lives as usual... any major disruptions would be a concession to terrorism.

The death of those victims is tragic, but it was timed as to be a moment of global solidarity for world leaders during the G8 summit. If the terrorists hoped to effect policy, like they did in Spain on 3/11, they were rudely mistaken. Now with the whole world looking on, the resolve of the G8 will only strengthen.

more to come later.
love and prayers.
paul.