Bicnod for Mumsnet - LIVE AT THE G8!!! Come and keep me company...

[Bicnod]

I'm here in Belfast for you lovely lot as one of the IF@G8 bloggers - original thread here

It all kicks off tomorrow so setting this up now like a good boy scout to be prepared.

Did I mention I'm getting a press pass?!

Still eeking.

Up in 5 hours so must go sleeeeeeep.

[Bicnod]

Currently watching David Cameron announcing an EU/US trade deal with Barack Obama and European Council and Commission Presidents.

Waiting for the live broadcast of the official G8 leaders arrival.

[Bicnod]

Oooooo - watching a live feed of the leaders walking OUT of the building... presumably so they can then turn around and formally arrive

Oops, it's been cut off - I'm not sure that was supposed to broadcast!

[Bicnod]

Quite glad I'm NOT at the formal arrivals - they're running late

[Bicnod]

So anyhoo - I met up with the wonderful Frank and Mwajuma earlier for a chat.

A bit more about them...

Mwajuma is 17. She was brought up by her grandmother in Tanzania after her father died when she was one.

She says:

'I want [the G8] to stop hunger because many children die of hunger, 3 million per year'

'We have the power to stop it'

'I have hopes and dreams and some day hope I'll be a mother too - I couldn't face to see my children suffering.'

[Bicnod]

Ooooo the official arrivals of the leaders have started...

...so WEIRD. They have already HAD a press conference and now David Cameron is pretending he hasn't met them already, shaking their hands and (literally) leading them up the garden path!!

[Bicnod]

This is sooooooo weird. Honestly - bonkers.

The leaders have to walk individually up a long path towards the PM to shake his hand and be officially welcomed...

[Bicnod]

And I have to say the Golf Club buildings are bloody ugly

[Bicnod]

They all look very self-conscious - this is hilarious

[Bicnod]

David Cameron is running up and down the path meeting and greeting the leaders - he's going to be very tired at the end of all this poor lad.

[Bicnod]

He's getting a bit puffed out now I think - just about to meet Putin...

[Bicnod]

Ooooo - here comes Obama - think he's the last one...

[Bicnod]

Poor David looks relieved that's over

[Bicnod]

HAHAHAHA

[RowanMumsnet]

It turns out Bicnod is not only extremely well-informed, she's also a ninja at collaring her fellow lunch guests for webchats. Would y'all like us to follow up her sterling work in getting Jon Snow to agree to one?

[Salbertina]

Oh definitely! Well done, Bicnod, another coup! Sounds like it's going very well.

[liger]

Oh yes, love Jon Snow! And he's steeped in this stuff so he would be a good follow up maybe ?9

[Bicnod]

Do I get to come and watch the live webchat?!

[KnottedAnchorChief]

Yep - defo John Snow webchat. Good call Bicnod

Did Putin turn up stripped to the waist sporting a David Dickinson tan and riding a fiery steed, as he does in some of his PR shots?

[Tee2072]

Well done Bicnod! Yes, do have him on, HQ!!

[Bicnod]

Just did an interview with people from Number 10 about why I'm here.

Totally fluffed it so hopefully they'll be able to piece something vaguely coherent together

Will post link once video is up.

Winding down here - everyone thinks most of the action will be tomorrow...

[Bicnod]

It's been a looooong day...

Off for dinner - and maybe a wee pint at Blakes as recommended on the other thread

Will check in later.

[SacreBlue]

WHOOP! Big well done, what a collar! I'd love JS on a MN chat :)

Enjoy your pint :) I think you are doing a sterling job missis you totally deserve it

[Hassled]

Bicnod - you are doing sterling work - the Huffington Post . Enoy that dinner - sounds like you've earned it.

[MmeLindor]

oooh, aren't you doing well. You have Jon Snow's number in your phone! I am impressed.

[taczilla]

Yes to Pat Blakes and round the corner Francos restaurant will be heaving. I am chuckling at friends on Facebook out walking and perving at all the men in uniform..times have changed. Hope you rest well and good luck tomorrow.