Back in Ashboro

It was a rollicking weekend in the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort attending the District Conference of RID7690. We went in 3 cars along with Rob Resse, Kemp and Jackie. Jackie is from South Africa originally and it was refreshing to exchange very classical thoughts on education, values and culture while on the drive. very british. We had a breakfast break and ultimately reached Myrtle at 5PM. There was a jungle fire in the vicinity and it appeared menacing when we approached the beach. But finally it was not that harmful. The beach resort is awesome with a never ending coastline on a silver sand platform. We stayed in a condo at the 23rd floor and it was a luxurious condo with 3 room 3 toilet and all facilities. Immediately checking in we went for lunch with Rob in the Pool side cafe. In the evening we attended the formal welcome dinner of the conference. it was an informal dinner with an idea of what awaits the next couple of days. It was interesting to find out old freinds like Greg, Pam, Peggy, Paul, Braun, dexter and so many. The dinner spread of club sandwiches was pretty interesting. we stayed awake late that night preparing for the next day presentation followed with some recreation afterwards.

The next day started with Plenary Session -1 where DG Charles Allen introduced RI Director. The Key Note Speaker was Deepa Willingham who is from California Rotary and is running a women education centre in Piyali in South 24 parganas. We pray that she have collected reasonable donation by her very sentimental speech.

Our flag hoisting ceremony went well and it was really an honour to carry the tricolour and see it hoisted along with the Red & Stripes for all 3 days of the convention. Our presentation and dance item went well. Mr. Gandhi and Shruti were the speakers from the team. The team indeed got a standing ovation. Rob and Ann took us for lunch thereafter in the Broadway at the Beach at the Jackie's inn. They have some amazing sea food platter with focus on crab. We then went to Myrtle Beach and had an improptu swim in the ocean. That evening we had the dinner in Pallisades and the butter corn and pork chops were amazing. Then we went to the beach Pajama party where everybody got a chance to shake a leg. Joe Kelley, the outbound GSE leader then took us to his condo for a small homely party. Shantony, Carrie and Jenna who arrived in the beach in that night only joined us. The party was definitely followed by some more entertainment and ended in the early hours of Saturday.

Next day at 11 AM the outbound GSE presented their show and we found their presentation to be very focussed. They were displaying only those pictures what many like to percieve about india. very interesting. We went for lunch with Ashley followed by some shopping at Tanger, the multi brand factory outlet, best buy and tresco. The latter is a metro cash and carry format and it was a better bargain. Dinner on Saturday was a sitdown in Pallisades. I would only remember the desert which was very good. The dinner and dance went upto 11 and it appeared everybody was desperate to enjoy till the last. The GSE team along with Ann came to our condo in the night and we chatted till 3 in the morning. Everybody poured their hearts out and it was so sentimental and warm for evrybody. Carrie, Shantony, Ann, Jenna, Amanda - we may probably never meet them ever but we became such good freinds in last 4 months. We all vowed to keep in touch. Ann was at her best. She was a darling. We could not have expected a better, accomodating and freindly GSE chair who smilingly considered all our tantrums. A very very special thanks to Ann on behalf of the team. Luv u.

Today we were back in Ashboro. On the way, Jackie gave us a good treat. Amazing Buffet spread. the countdown has begun. we should be home next sunday.