For the first day of the congress we were bused to the convention center and greeted by dancers as we walked in to the facility. I am not sure of the significance as it was not typical African dance.
The first day of the Education International Congress began with a full 2 1/2 hours of welcoming speeches. Just fascinating! We were welcomed by the Deputy President of South Africa, the Minister of the Cape Province, the Mayor of Cape Town, the presidents or general secretaries of each of the South African unions, the President of EI and a few more I am sure that I forgot. It was a great time to take a bit of a nap as the lights were out while the speakers talked.
Since we had 1 1/2 for lunch I had the time to walk over to the water front area. It is called the Victoria and Albert Waterfront or just V&A. It is very much like Quincy Market and the design looked just like the waterfront in Baltimore. Lots of expensive shops and a food court. There were street entertainers and lots of people walking around.
Back at the Congress, I got back just in time for the General Secretary, Fred Leuuwen, to give a 1 hour and 15 minute speech on the state of education around the world. Elections were held and NEA President, Dennis van Roekel, was elected vice president for North America. Then at 5:30 we broke for a reception with food and entertainment. There are delegates from 86 different countries. I got to speak with delegates from Pakistan and Botswana who I had met 4 years ago in Berlin. It was great to see familiar faces.
Day 2 was far more intereresting and moved along. We did changes to the constitution and the bylaws. A policy on education much like the one we have at NEA was passed by the Congress. There was much discussion and I was surprised at the things that people objected to. France is usually negative to most things. Go figure!
The weather changed for day 2 as well. It became colder and the winds are blowing at 50 to 60 mph. Walking is hard and it goes right through you. The event for the night was at an outdoor amusement park with not very African entertainment. It was difficult to get food so I managed a hot dog and I could not wait to get back to the hotel.
I am just beginning day 3. I have been to church at the Catherdral of St. Mary. Due to the wind, my walking tour this afternoon has been called off. I will catch up with the end of Paris tonight.
I wish more people would join the blog. I am not sure if anyone is reading it.
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| Dancer at the opening of Congress |
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| Local students perform |
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| South African Deputy President |
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| V&A Waterfront |
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| Cape Town from the waterfront |
Street performers
Enjoy the cool weather. it looks like great fun. I miss being there. Glead you had the opportunity to see thinkgs you have been teaching about. The ostrichs were a kick.
ReplyDeleteit has been very hot and humid here.I miss you.