40th Annual Conference: Day 1
For most members it’s quite a trip to arrive at the 2014 conference city of Nomea, New Caledonia. Â However, it’s always worth the trip! This year appears no different as on arrival, all registrants received the gracious and exuberant welcome for the opening day events. Â The SPC planning crew led by Mary-Clare Ame greeted us with Bon Jour and Bula!
Many joined the optional tour to the Jean Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center. Â A short bus ride from SPC, we arrived at a gorgeous architectural tribute to the circle of life based on the 3 local regions and the 28 local dialects. Â It was fascinating to see local agricultural resources, medicinal plants, and building styles and techniques. Â The stories our guide Jorge added greatly to our visit.
Back to SPC, found a place for lunch and then I attended the first executive board meeting. The day ended with the opening reception at Chateau Royal where we had beverages, assorted hor d’oeuvres (I was most intrigued by the use of slices of pink and green jello as toppers on some of the tiny sandwiches as well as decor on platters. Â I sampled both but sad to say they just tasted like sugar.), and a lively introduction party. Â We were divided into teams of 3 and directed to find out enough information about our teammates to introduce them. We then gathered in a circle and introduced one another. It was quite fun and funny.
This report brought to you by Kris Anderson
