It's been quite a day and I am not even sure where to start.
My presentation went over extremely well. How do I know this? People responded with questions, gave scenarios, and there was a good discussion overall. Thank goodness for fifty minutes, but we actually went over the time, which is always a good sign when you are the one up front.
It was an amazing day - totally intellectually stimulating being around so many people on the international counseling scene. Good breakout sesssions. Gorgeous day outside (I skipped one session to walk along the waterfront). It completely reminds me of Santa Barbara and Montecito; even the air smells the same.
Let me start by describing last night. I slept for the first time since the Berkshires with the window open and it was silent. Until the birds started chirping in the pre-dawn hours. Incredible way to start the day. The sun only came up at 7:00.
I had a lovely breakfast at the hotel, in true European fashion with hard boiled eggs, cheese, and cured meats on crusty rolls (which I normally don't eat except that it seemed to be a major faux paux to pass up.) I also had yogurt and muesli which is what I typically consume except that it tasted so much more, well French. Then we arrived at the Grimaldi Forum where I consumed more than one chocolate croissant. I mean, how can one come to Europe and not partake in the decadent pastries? Lunch was a three-course affair with a wine selection and view of the Mediterranean. Did I mention that this is actually a work trip?
I am happy to have met two delightful women here (who begged me to remain anonymous). One I knew previously and the other I just met yesterday. We met up after the conference and walked over to the infamous Monaco Casino, which is exactly as you might imagine from any James Bond movie you've seen. It was quite glamorous, except that we did not see anyone in a tuxedo with martini in hand, this of course being Wednesday evening at 6:30. We blew five euro each on the slots, not winning anything and walked next door to the "Sparkling Cocktail Reception" to which we had been invited.
Champagne flutes were handed to us as we entered the rooftop lounge of the Fairmont. What happened next was a blur. The president of the European University started talking about this Tour de France champion who was somehow supporting a new sports administration major, and I looked over and knew without doubt and before his name was announced that it was Eddy Merckx. Then I started (mildly) freaking out, like "I have to get a photo, no one is going to believe this". My camera died. But fortunately, my colleague took a photo of me and Eddy as he was walking out. I probably embarrassed myself gushing "Hi I'm Stephanie, I am such a big fan, my husband is not going to believe this." Crazy American. He was of course quite gentile and gracious. Looks good for his age. Not quite as high on the list as when we talked to Desmond Tutu in 2003, but still resonated star power.
Meanwhile my two comrades were fixated on the food which of course was top-notch...even the ham rolls, which were little finger sandwiches were tucked away into clear plastic Christmas balls. Somehow along the way the three of us decided that these were most desired and we ended up each snatching and stashing several each. I am not sure what I am going to do with them but there was talk about how they would make perfect Christmas decorations, minus the roll. We have the champagne to blame but it was a small price to pay for an outrageously funny evening. I felt like I was twenty years old and out on my own for the first time. We are all in our forties, and it was a complete riot.
More about the food. Gold dust seems to be a popular addition to serious dark chocolate creations. Now, getting ready for bed, how can I possibly eat again? Tomorrow is another day and anything is possible. Yes, this is a work trip.
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