The Convention

September 1, 2019

I hadn't really focused on why I had offered to contribute to September's guest column until I sat down to start writing. Yes, we were very excited, to again be in Europe at the right time, to attend our second International Convention, this year in Hamburg, Germany. But why did I want to share our experiences? In short, I hope to encourage more of our Bennington club members to think and act outside of our community, as well as, continue our projects within.

To keep this within my allotted words, I will share just a few of our experiences by including some links for anyone interested in experiencing pieces of the convention. (Note: it is possible to experience the convention from home! Honolulu 2020 through Rotary Live Connect!)

It is impossible for me to fully impress in writing what an amazing experience it is to be in a major international city and to 'hang-out' with somewhere between 25-27,000 other like-minded, caring, and service-above-self types of people, from all over the world! We stayed in a postage-size room, on the Reeperbahn, (which we learned was in the red light district!!). It was safe, albeit lively, and was well located within walking distance of the Convention Hall. We relaxed when we learned how many other Rotarians were staying in the same hotel, and we enjoyed meeting many of them on our way to the Hall each morning.

Prior to the convention, we spent an amazing 11 days touring a small part of eastern Russia on a tour organized by ITHF (International Travel & Hosting (Rotary) Fellowship). As soon as we committed to the trip I had 'cold-feet', but decided that if I don't visit with Rotarians, I never would! It was a great experience, clocking many bus hours, with a group of 28 other Rotarians, our Russian (Rotarian) host and tour guides. Our favorite experience was with our taxi driver, speaking to each other through Google translator, during our one hour drive to the hotel!

Convention links: The House of Friendship is an experience unto itself, with 100's of booths, highlighting the Rotary projects worldwide, with ongoing entertainment! Here is a quick intro: vimeopro.com For pre-convention highlights, featuring the enthusiastic group of Rotaractors present this year, see: YouTube Video Lastly, here is a link to one of my favorite keynote speakers; I thought timely given our Clubs goal to launch a vibrant Rotaract Club (and given our recent, unresolved technology glitch?!) vimeopro.com This is a dinner hosted by one of the local German Rotary clubs and their families. All farm to table, delicious fare, prepared and served by the members and their families at a Christmas tree farm just outside of Hamburg. In closing, remember and celebrate the International Day of Peace, collecting excess plastic, on September 21st!

Author: Kristin Reed
Sally Sugarman (Club Member & Windmill Editor)