Wednesday 4th March

We had an interview with Bradford Radio - It was very interesting - We met girls from a local school at the same time. We talked in English and also in Arabic. One programme was live and one for International Women's Day.

Tuesday 3rd March

We went by train to Bradford - Annika took us to the station and Molly waited for us, and then took us to Riffat's house in her car.

We had lunch and we had a rest.

We went to a women's centre in an old German church. There was a big meeting about Palestine, crowded with people. They put a Palestinian map on the wall showing 'disappearing Palestine'. There was Palestinian food and a lot of discussion.  We enjoyed the meeting very much.

Monday 2nd March

We went to Parliament and had a good walk on Hampstead Heath.

Then we went to Crossroads Women's Centre and had lunch there and we spoke to a group of women. They talked about what they do and we spoke about Palestinian women. It was very good - we liked those women.

Then we went shopping with Annika and bought all the things to make makloubeh and mjadara and harisi, Then we showed people in the cafe how to make these things and we ate together.

Walk for human rights

This was the first time we ever did anything like this - walking in the street, holding banners. People were interested, they looked, they took leaflets...  It was long but good.

When we got to Trafalgar Sq there was a women's demonstration. We spoke. It was great to see women from lots of different places and unite together - it made us feel strong.

(Abeer) - this was the first time I had ever spoke in public like this but I found myself very enthusiastic and happy.

Reading

When we got to Reading, we met Allied. She was also lovely. Every place we went to we really loved the people.

We went to a restaurant before our event. The event was one of the best ones - Lots of people. a real mix of people, Irish, Syrian, people from lots of places. There were lots of questions. They organised traditional Palestinian food for all of us - vine leaves and olives and hummus and dates...People wore Palestinian clothes and Allie welcomed us in Arabic. We really enjoyed the interaction with people there.

Sunday 1st March - first day

We all met at the Cafe and met Nandita and some other friends. We had an induction meeting and talked about the journey.

We went to the middle of London by bus and then we walked - we saw lots of things - Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye and a beautiful garden (St James' Park)

Later we ate at Cafe Palestina

Arrival

We arrived in London on 29th February. It was a really very cold, windy night.  We went by train back to London to rest. It was great to see old friends and be in London.