Last day. Considering my prior experiences with the social events, I was relieved not to have registered for the gala dinner that evening at a cost of 155 euros plus the purchase of a ballgown. However I learned the next day (in passing at the train station) that it had been worthwhile, after all. Rats.
The highlight of the day was the closing ceremony.
First, a long travel video promoting Miami, Florida as the site of the next World Orchid Conference in 2008. The commercial left a strong impression that we would be encountering a lot of marine life during our visit -- mostly bikini-clad young blondes and their buff wet-bodied mates, as well as a few trained sea lions. Should be interesting. Next, the Miami representative gave his pitch on why we should all plan to attend: “We will be extremely well organized" (poke). "We will have buses waiting to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotels" (dig). "We will make sure you have transportation to and from the conference site, and to each and every social event" (stab). "We will make sure that everything is reasonably priced and good value for your money" (jab). I admit it: I smirked. I also thought I detected some uncomfortable shifting in certain parts of the room.
Next, the show winners (or at least the few in the audience) were awarded their trophies -- a bottle of wine, once the cases were actually located and wheeled onto the stage. Oops. And finally, the announcement that Singapore would be the site of the World Orchid Conference in 2011. The large contingent from that city were fun to watch as they took in the news, and they immediately started jumping up and down and handing out pins to the audience. I felt a bit of a pang for my new friends from South Africa. It takes a tremendous amount of work and time to put together a proposal like that, only to fail.
Then it was over. Like a wedding, it's the things that go wrong that leave you with the most entertaining memories, and overall the conference was a fantastic experience. I made some friendships that I hope will endure, I learned a lot, I LOVED the show, and I especially loved the city of Dijon and its kindhearted and hospitable citizens. They saved the day for the conference organizers.
Now it's time to start looking forward to the Chelsea Orchid Show in May, and (finger's crossed) a tour of Kew Garden’s orchid greenhouses!
Comments