GSE 5970 to Italy: Saturday, May 23 – District Conference in Torino

We rode out to Lingotto, the conference location, and met up with Fabio, Giuseppe, and Stefano (our district organizers and the Team Leader who led the Italian group in Iowa). After checking in and greeting everyone we joined the presentations in the conference hall.

Me, Jim, and Stephanie at the congress entrance.

Ready to start the programs!

District Governor Ermano Bassi gave his welcome, followed by the representative from the Rotary International President. Then a coffee break. During the break we met many Rotarians. I specifically talked to a woman from Syracuse, New York who was attending as a special international guest with her husband. She tracked down translating head sets for us. These were very welcome tools as the first presentations had been in Italian and difficult to follow. Returning from the coffee break the international guests spoke...in English! The highlights of these speeches by distinguished Rotarians from around the world were related to women in Rotary, saving the world’s health, saving the environment, and calling for youth involvement in Rotary. The final speaker before lunch was Italian, talking about globalization (the head-sets were nice!).

During lunch we learned more about our upcoming “presentation.” We would each say a couple words about ourselves. The afternoon programs were shorter than the morning speeches. They included the presentation of an award to Fabio, Rotaract, and others. We received lovely folders containing words about Paul Harris, presented our banners to Governatore Ermano Bassi, and spoke a couple sentences about ourselves. The Italian team members who had visited Iowa were also presented.

District Governor Ermanno Bassi

Our short presentations. Jim at the microphone here, the rest of us to the right. To the left is Fabio Rosselli, organizer of our visit, and Stefano Piola, leader of the Italian team to Iowa.

Jim holds his model Fiat in front of the real thing.

We then headed back to the hotel to change for the evening Gala dinner. I caught a bit of what seemed to be an Italian version of ‘Deal or no Deal’ while preparing. We then returned for the Gala.

All dressed up and ready to go to the Gala event.

It was a beautiful event. It started with hors d’oeurves and drinks. We talked with most of the international guests as we all spoke English. What amazing company! The dinner itself was elegantly designed and absolutely delicious...but it was very hot. I had to pity the men as they could not remove their jackets and remain models of decorum. The tables and chairs were made of clear plastic. The tables had long white table cloths on them. The only lights were underneath the tables, glowing through the plastic and cloth, and from massive candelabra centerpieces. The menus were printed on clear plastic material and all the plates were clear. This allowed you to see the menu while waiting for the six courses and whenever you cleaned the food off your plate. The food was delectable, mouthwatering, and elegantly and meticulously displayed. The most amazing meal I have ever eaten (despite the heat!).