Saturday 19th June - The Convention Starts

An early taxi took us from the Quality Hotel to the Hyatt, where we checked in and left our bags. On the way down to the Palais des Congres we met Hodgy, who had had and was having a torrid time with hotels. We queued for the opening of the House of Friendship at 1000hrs.

 
We met Jim on point duty wearing a yellow jacket - where he seemed to stay for the whole Convention - and had a good look round. Off down to the port to pick up our boat for the lunchtime cruise on the river, organised with typical Rotary efficiency - as the first picture below shows! The lunch on board was a cramped affair but with very good company. Four small beers cost $23 so I was in shock.

When we left the boat it was pouring with rain. With so many people on the boat a taxi was out of the question so we walked to the Palais des Congres to get underground and onwards to the Hyatt - Jim was still on point duty and we complained that he was not at the boat to give us umbrellas. We were soaked through.

After a while we found our bags, got our room keys and went to dry off and unpack. A visit to the supermarket provided our victuals for the evening after which we went to Peter and Toni's Apartment hotel for an RIBI Reunion. We took some booze and nibbles but we had not planned on the five fishes and barley loaves routine, so we went home with nothing. It was good to meet up with everyone.