I walked out of my apartment building today which is usually one of the busiest corners in Pittsburgh (Grant and Liberty) and the customs officer at the end of the drive smiled, looked at me and asked, "How does it feel to live on the most secure block in the universe?"  ...more

First off... let me say that as a writer. I make a great photographer.  You know... the same concept as saying... to a TV star that they actually have a "Good face for radio".

That said - I though that I'd give you a bit of perspective on what it was like around my place this morning.  I live inside what they call "The Red Zone" of the G20 Summit.  About a block away from the convention center here in Pittsburgh.  The authorities have it ringed with a second layer of security fences and is for all intent - under Federal jurisdiction.

I have to admit it was more than a bit.... eerie.  1pm on a Wed.  This street corner is a main artery to other suburbs out of town and is always busy.  (I know - my windows face this way and there is never a lack of sirens and traffic.)

Scanning around I counted no less that 15 uniforms of various display and almost an equal number of "suits" if you know what I mean.  Then there were the 6 or so limousines and their drivers sitting in the muggy heat smoking cigarettes or napping in their cars parked in the middle of the street.  Hardly the hustle and bustle that is the norm.

I knew that in order to walk anywhere outside the Red Zone I would have to pass a security checkpoint, and then have to pass it to get back in at night... but none of the uniforms present knew exactly which checkpoint I was allowed out through.  So they sent me a block up and block over.

In my first career I was a photographer for magazines and have the good fortune of being able to borrow a camera and a couple lenses.  Knowing that I would be in the center of things.  So as I made my way around the block to the next check point. No credentials, no uniform, just your average middle aged bald guy walking amongst these uniforms. I started off tentatively (it has been a few years after all) snapping some photos.  No objection from anyone... so I snapped a few more and worked my way around the Westin Hotel to the main gate of the third security ring and entrance to the convention center.

I sat down and just observed (because I could).  I watched as neighbors of mine who were also trying to get out of the Zone came asking officials... who in turn pointed them back to where they had come from in order to escape.

As I snapped away some of the mounted police came by.  It was interesting to note that more than a few of them were riding draft horses.  (you know the ones you see at the local fair that are so HUGE they intimidate from 50 yards away).  It gave me a whole new perspective on what it would be like were I a protester facing them.

Aside from the lack of people in the Zone, the most striking thing about the uniforms of the various agencies were the amount of zip tie handcuffs each officer was wearing.  Bright white - they stood out in contrast to every one of the different uniform styles. Almost a unifying theme if you like.

I have to say that all the officer's I encountered were very polite and even willing to let me take a picture or two, and the only protest that I ran into was a very small almost melancholy one on Grant and 7th.  It was a group of Ethiopian protesters asking for a stop to genocide in their country.

The most striking thing about it was how each of the protester's eyes seemed like the kind of eyes that you see when you meet a soldier just returned from combat.  Not at all what you would expect from the stereotypical G20 protester.

PJS