Showdown in Regina

I'm leading a double life, I'm pretty much superman's sister, no big deal. Climate action super cyclist by night and news photographer by day. Dressed in our "costumes" otherwise known as biz casual, Malkolm and I stealthed our way into press conferences with the premiers. Palms sweating we approached media check in, our story perfectly thought out. Our picture passes safely around our neck 5 minutes later and we were breathing easier. Alas it was our simple question of "where exactly is the photo shoot?" that got us into trouble. Security approached us asking for our media ID, which of course we did not possess... He then asked for a contact at our radio station, luckily I had one. He tapped his foot and continued making snide remarks as I quickly looked for the number. One ring then 2 and we hear "hello?" Security asked for the station manager to verify our identity. "He's on vacation and were all just volunteers anyways" came the slow lazy reply. Security hung up the phone looking at us skeptically and asked to search my bag. Finding nothing but the camera and our lunch he had to let us go. I think our youthfullness was on our side, we were passed over as silly university kids in over our heads. Malkolm asked me as we walked out of the building, "just how fast was your heart beating in there?"

To be honest I don't think the knots really left my stomach until we had left Regina far behind us. Leading a double life is stressful, especially when you are being interviewed by the same press who are to be your colleagues hours later. Sunglasses on at all times was integral! Paranoid of being followed and having tapped phones we were constantly looking over our shoulders. Nod swore she saw the same guy staring at her funny at least 3 times in one day.

Our goal of attending these photo shoots and press conferences was for me to catch a premier in a compromising position ie: picking his/her nose or some such equally awkard position and Malkolm to ask a stirring climate change question. Unfortunatley neither of us was successful, but we now have a better idea of what it's like to be on the inside as opposed always the protester on the outside of the gates.

Regina passed in a blurr of showdown activities, and I know that I for one have left Regina with a lot more knowledge about the climate change and the tar sands in particular. Big thanks to Sejal, Devan and Nigel for hosting us for the first few nights and then to Kayli and Josh for the next 3 nights. Your hospitality was GREATLY appreciated! Now we are back on the road and we will try and get the blog caught up when we are in Winnipeg, longer days on the road mean less time to go looking for internet sources!