Eye opening

Yesterday, I volunteered to help out Pema who was helping out the European Commision for the Europe Day celebration at Berkhill Hall, Botanical Gardens.

My duties were to assist in the set up such as putting up all 25 flags of the European Union and making sure they dont topple over. I discovered a pretty neat trick. Usually, you'd think that you just stick the pole into a wooden box that overs the ground right? But did you know, that beneath the brown box, there's a plastic container which you have to fill with water so that it ensures the flags are stable? I never knew that. :)

Next, after getting soaked cos it rained like crazy, we changed into something a bit formal and we were delegated certain tasks, like either escorting the embassadors up the hill to the hall or to serve as a receptionist. Thank GOD i got the receptionist role so I dont need to huff and puff up and down while making small talk with those diplomats. What the heck do I say to them? Pema got that duty.

Yeah, my duty was kinda cool. Its so interesting to see who's who and i was lucky to be seated next to the secretary to the euro commision ambassador so she knew who's who and was kind enough to update me. Amazing how she remembers everyone. Then there were like reporters from BBC etc and a photographer from one of the supposed "high society" (like whatever..roll eyes but thats another post altogether) magazines. And I got to see what the guests were wearing and what these people actually do at parties. They stand around, sip champaigne, eat and talk while a french jazz singer did her thing.
Haha, i was expecting a scene from Decline and Fall or at least some drama, but nooo.

Oooh, the food was fantastic. I managed to taste Hungarian Beef something and some Spanish chicken dish. (im bad at names, i know)
The service from Hyatt hotel was excellent.

All in all, i had a really good time. Tiring but heck, how often do you get to meet so many ambassadors and whoevers at one go with some actually engaging in small talk with you? :) Plus, the euro commision staff were really nice to us. They insisted we sort-of mingle and get our food, drinks, and dessert (which were oh so sinful).

I so need to exercise.