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| The group of students who sang their heart out for a better world |
Today we again enjoyed a free breakfast at Staybridge before moving back down to the Convention Centre. Temperatures continue to be around the high 20's and lovely and calm.
We attended the opening plenary this afternoon. Very impressive. Others say that Conferences and Conventions turn those who "go to Rotary" into "Rotarians". This afternoon I certainly had an emotional feeling that endorsed that I am involved in Rotary for a reason. I watched some 200+ International Youth Exchange students from around the world gather on stage in front of 20,000 delegates and they sang. Yes they sang. They sang Ray's new song about Building Communities and Bridging Continents and then broke
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| This time with our Kiwi colours on display |
into another song ending with 'We are the World'. They waved their country's flag and I thought about their homelands - some from developed countries and many from under developed countries. I am convinced that this exchange will change their lives. Their time living with families of another culture will influence the way they perceive their world and one would envisage that they will be a better citizen because of their exposure to a world organisation where the common theme is 'making the world a better place for you and me'!
Tonight we had special drinks with Ray - all the current DG's were gathered and Ray mingled as he does so well. After that Director Stuart and Adrienne joined David, Michele, Jenny and me to walk back into the French Quarter. We were aiming for Mr B's on Royal Street, but instead ended up dining at The Pelican Club - sitting in a narrow alley way with palms, white linen clothes and a gentle warm breeze. It was divine. The snails were my first and the flounder was so good. I can see why many people come to Convention after Convention. Being with friends, new surroundings each year and with a messages on how our world can be, and is, a better place with the work we do in our Clubs. Thanks Rotary! |
| Michele, David, Howard, Adrienne, Jenny & Stuart |
