Day 1 - starts well but goes to Hell later

Thursday

Today we got down to business starting with role call and so forth. Once again we are in a large hollow square with our names and nationalities on a plaque in front of us.

The first presentation was from Mensa Germany who had commissioned a survey of the general population to determine who had heard of Mensa, who knew their IQ and so forth.

We then discussed some administrative motions before a tea break. During this time I gave everyone at the table a mini kangaroo key ring. Previously Australia gave out mini Koalas. There was also a small bag of mixed treats from Germany given out - mostly marzipan in chocolate.

Afterwards British Mensa presented on their work with Gifted children, followed by smaller group discussion in a get to know each other exercise.

After lunch we had a diversity exercise which involved playing a simple card game in groups of 4 or 5 without speaking. After each hand the winner moved to another table. The new comer had to fit in with the existing rules.

This was followed by a presentation by US Mensa on a survey of members, passed members and potential members on what they expected from Mensa and how well their expectations were met.

There was an explanation of the budget spreadsheet from the treasurer and finally we had a chance to comment on and post questions about the motions that will be discussed in the rest of the meeting.

There was no officially organised dinner tonight but one of the Americans had booked for 15 at a restaurant in the old city. Unfortunately about 30 of us turned up and there was no room. The ones that didn't get a seat had no problems finding another place as there is a restaurant every 10m in some parts. I was one of those at the booked restaurant. The host organised platters with 4 of his popular entrees to be placed along the table and gave us a similar option for mains. I was one of 5 who took that up and we had prawns and scampi in a wine sauce, seafood spaghetti and John Dory.

We caught the bus back and arrived a bit before 10 to join the Hell's Mensan's Mojito party. This is a party SIG from the US that has been expanding to other countries. Our hosts were Peter from Denmark and Igor from Croatia. There were some member T shirts and I managed to get one of the last ones, after Peter encouraged a guy to take the  larger of the last 2 available. It was held in a suite at the end of end hotel and had an expanded balcony area as well. It was very pleasant outside Even that late, although we couldn't the the spectacular views.

Some time after 11 the Japanese arrived bearing bottles of sake. I gave up a bit after that and headed to bed. Jet lag is almost gone and it was after 6 when I woke up this morning. (Friday)