World Zaf 2006 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

It did not happen !

I am only referring to the doctored picture of myself dancing the tango ! But you can only see it if you go to the photo album of the Zaf 2006 and it is the last one so that you have to go through the whole lot. And more photos are to come, so keep checking from time to time.
The Zaf itself had a kind of shaky start, with people having to change hotels as they checked in, and half of the brothers being told of one dress code, and the other half something else. Luckily the US delegation showed up casual when almost everybody else was formal, and this showed our sense of freedom !
One the first evening, an oversized brother gave me a big hug with a glass of red wine in his hand and I ended up with a redesigned T-shirt. This proved to be only the first incident of a serie of many, three for myself, during the various functions, where red wine was always available in large quantity.
The first function took place at the city hall for Buenos Aires and was intended to check in incoming brothers, get registrations for the various tours and obviously have a few drinks while meeting with brothers the world over, some that I had not seen since the last Zaf.
Wednesday was devoted to shopping, or walking for those like me who was not too keen on the shopping tour. The crowd was divided into the morning tours and the afternoon ones and we met at lunch in separate restaurants.
On Wednesday night we were treated to a very nice show with indian, horses and soldiers, representing the history of Argentina.
Thursday was city tour day in buses. Our guide seemed to be fascinated by one feature of Buenos Aires, the "dog walkers", people who make money by walking wealthy people's dogs in groups of 8 to 12, for a fee of course. Apart from that, we drove through a city which feels very much like a european city, with monuments donated by various nations.
Lunch was at the same restaurants than tuesday except that the 2 groups swapped.
In the evening, we all went into the Boca district and were treated to a Tango show. If you looked at the pictures, you will see a sea of wine glasses on the tables.
Friday was Hacienda and gauchos day. We all went to a hacienda (kind of ranch) outside Buenos Aires, and had a demonstration of a polo game, followed by the gauchos demonstrating their skills on horses. This was followed by a huge barbecue, attended by all at the same place.
Saturday, was bus, train and boat ride, the boat ride taking place at the mouth of the river where islands in formation are used by the people of Buenos Aires to build week-end houses. Lunch was offered in the italian district and this was the first opportunity I had to spend some time with Jacques Rial, Tony Olmer and Jorge Sapiains.
Saturday night, as always, was the big event with brothers all dressed up in whatever costume they fancied the buccaneers of the 18th century were using. They were many speeches and a little music, and everyone went home, intent on meeting again in 2010 in Sydney, Australia. Brothers, start saving because it will without a doubt be a lot of fun over there.
Most of us were flying out on Sunday night, and it gave the three brothers of the Chesapeake bay table a chance to have lunch together and with Bernie and Margie from the solomon islands (technically, they belong to the Keys table). And then, after hanging around for the better part of the afternoon, it was off to the airport for the long flight home.
Once again, this Zaf was the opportunity to make new friends, meet again with old friends, and feel the true meaning of the brotherhood.
Orza !
Brise-Galets