Day 5: Sun 1 Sep - Dublin
This morning, we met for a late breakfast – 0800 h and then had a mini meeting to discuss the next couple of days and how we are going to run things. Also discussed the photobook and got some good feedback. Then, at 1230 h Jane and I attended, with Zheng-yu, an FIP First-Timers meeting where all the newbies get to meet the important people of each section. From there we went to the Opening Ceremony which was actually better this year than it has been in a while; the speeches didn’t go on for too long and the entertainment was great; titled Rhythm and Dance, three musicians teamed with an Irish traditional dancer and an American tap dance to produce a specially choreographed piece combining Irish sounds with an international jazz flavour.
After the OC we went to the exhibition (free pens!); the posters were on a separate floor away from the masses which defeated the purpose of having to man then as we didn’t get too many people visiting to ask about MEPS.
Then it was off to the Meet and Greet. We had hired a bus to get us there and wanted to leave at 1900 however one member was late and we only left at 1910. Therefore, due to traffic, we were a bit late in getting to McKee Barracks. The front gate was expecting us (still manned by members in uniform!) and guided us to the Officers Mess which was not far from the front gate. We were met by Colonel Conor Fitzsimmons and Maeve and then Private Ronnie Daly took us on a guided tour of the Barracks complete with a visit to the Equitation Centre – horses, beautiful horses. The wind was howling and it was very chilly so when the Piper (Bagpipes) arrived to pipe us back to the Mess, we were quite ready for the warmth. Inside we were treated to drinks (red & white wine, beer, Guinness and tea & coffee) with finger food (sandwiches, and hot snacks). Colonel Fitzimmons then gave a welcome speech and ZY responded and presented Maeve with a gift from MEPS. I then presented Maeve with a gift of my own for her hard work and for putting up with my myriad questions. After the speeches we all made social intercourse (ate, drank, mingled and chatted). And, then all too soon it was time to leave. Organising taxis seemed to be difficult so those of us staying at the Best Western decided to walk. It was supposed to take no more than 20 mins to get to the nearest tram stop, but as we got a tad geographically embarrassed, it took more like 35-40 mins and we ended up at a different stop altogether. We did however make it back to the hotel.
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