Rotary International Convention 2019 Hamburg

First impressions were that the Hamburg Messe is a humungous modern collection of giant aircraft hangers without the aircraft. On the other hand, you have to cope with 25,000 visiting Rotarians from 129 countries, so you have to house them somewhere. The registration process was laborious but much enlivened by the people you meet in the queue. I am most indebted to the charming couple from Mesa West Rotary Club in Arizona who provided me with a glass of beer within two seconds of my meeting them. This happens all the time; you chat to people from all over the world at a drop of a hat. Within seconds you are reminded that the peoples of the world are very different but at the sime time we are all the same. Or rather, they are if they are Rotarians. They are so friendly, aren't they? How can the world ever fall out?

And aren't people so colourful? The Scots are very proud of their kilts which are enlivened by sporrans in the form of Rotary rondels. The Africans appear in yards of colourful fabric adorned with Rotary rondels. The Nepalese wear dashing hats and one or two Korean ladies were wearing beautiful silk dresses.

The House of Friendship is a curious mix. You could buy anything from some Rotary socks for $20 to an open topped Mercedes for $139,000. You could buy Rotary paraphernalia of every shape and size or a Persian carpet. However, some of the stalls detailing Rotary projects from around the world were fascinating. There are Fellowships for everyone. I knew there was an International Yachting fellowship. I didn't realise there was one for whisky drinkers, or wine tasters or even metalheads.

Throughout the four days there were some truly inspiring presentations about what Rotary can achieve. In addition to the 35 speeches, dance and music performances in the plenary sessions, there were 98 breakout sessions . I found these very interesting, not least because I could interact with people from other continents and cultures, with common values, and overall it was a very positive experience for me personally.

The one thing I came away with from all of the sessions which I attended was that, as a club, we are far better placed than many other clubs; we have already embraced change and we have a depth of knowledge within our Club that exceeds many other clubs.

Everything reinforced the objects of Rotary, the four-way test and service above self. I am now convinced that the organisation to which I belong is of global significance.

Who would have thought Hamburg is a great place to visit? A lovely Botanical Garden, a treasure trove of Art Galleries and Museums, picturesque waterways and historical sites. If any other city in the world has a better transport system, please tell me where it is.

I attended this convention because it was in Europe, I had never been to one before, and I thought I ought to go and see what it is all about. I really had no intention of attending another one. However, Rotary's motto this year was "Be the Inspiration" and I must say that I have come back inspired and do think I will attend another in the future.