Welcome Reception, 27 September 2009
Around 1730, attendees couldn’t seem to wait to see each other any longer and folks began congregating in the large hallway outside the Welcome Reception. Sitting quietly, I watched as old and new friends began catching up and getting to know each other in a variety of languages. At 1800, the crowd moved into the room and listened to the welcoming words from various dignitaries. We were regaled with stories of Brugge and the Provincial Hof. The Provincial Hof looks medieval/gothic, but is really less than 100 years old. Quite an incredible reproduction. After that, food was served and conversation volume increased. I don’t know when the party finally broke up or moved as I left to take myself off to bed.
