July 2007 Meeting Report.
As is the custom the July meeting was given over to “Members slides”, though in the 21st century the majority have gone digital. This year we didn’t quite manage to take in all continents, no talk on South America, but we still saw plenty of interesting places.
Nick Preston set the ball rolling with a trip to northern Thailand, showing us the temples, elephants and the Mekong river in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Sylvia Pullen took us further east to Samoa, introducing us to the wonderful beaches, lush vegetation of the islands flora and fauna, to the church going people who mix in ancient beliefs and dances.
Sue Baker’s talk was on Yunan in China, the town of Dali where her daughter has a guesthouse (www.dragonflydali.com), located near the lake shore, we saw buffallo in paddy fields and shops selling baskets, it looks a nice spot.
Jacqui Trotter then took us to one of Padmassana’s favourite cities, Istanbul, gateway to the east over the Galata bridge, super photos from the Galata Tower over the city. The colourful spice market, a trip up the Bosphorus and she also got to see the Wirling Dervishes.
Next up was guest speaker Raja, who came to tell us about the IPPG, International Porters Protection Group in northern India (http://indiaporter.tripod.com/). The porters carry loads up to 30kg over high mountains despite being ill equipped, lacking decent footwear, clothing and shelter. The group is trying to raise money for a shelter where the porters can shelter and receive medical attention. It will cost around US$4500 for the 5 months each year when it will be open.
After the interval another guest speaker, Peter showed us his trip to Ghana, where he made puppets and used them to tell stories to schoolchildren.
Francesca Jaggs took us back to Asia, Laos to be exact, this brought back very recent memories for Padmassana, as he had flown back from Vientiane only the night before the meeting. Francesca’s trip took in Vang Vieng and the wonderful temples of Luang Prabang and the Buddha cave at Pak Ou, before she headed to Vientiane.
East now for John Goddard’s trip to Papua New Guinea, after receiving a legacy, visiting the less accessible north coast, where the odd tribal war is not uncommon. Its not always the safest destination to visit, but rewarding for those that make the effort.
Back to Europe for our last speaker David Boyd, who showed us the walking paths in the greek Cyclades, these used to be the main trade routes, but have become overgrown with the advent of roads. Some beautiful photos of the vistas this quiet corner of Greece offers.
Unfortunately there was no time for Jeanie Coplands talk on Tanzania, am sure we will get to hear a much longer version later in the year.
By Padmassana
London meetings are held at The Church of Scotland, Crown Court, behind the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden at 2.30pm the first Saturday of each month. There is no London meeting in August, but we will be back in September. For more information, you can contact the Globetrotters Info line on (+44) 020 8674 6229, or visit the website: www.globetrotters.co.uk