A RECAP OF THE HYM

for those Who missed it

A RECAP OF THE HALF-YEAR MEETING

A HYM TOREMEMBER

Marrakech is an intricate maze of narrow streets and a world of souks. Protected from the sun by slatted awnings, visitors a variety of markets of basketwork, dried fruit, spices, clothes, wool, skins, carpet, leatherwork, ironwork, and jewellery. Locally sourced fresh fruit proved showed the proud agricultural history of the region.

KENZI ROSE GARDEN set the scene for the 2022 Half Year Meeting. A clean and authentic example of Moroccan architecture, Kenzi was within walking distance of most local main attractions.

When visiting Morocco, the local food is always something visitors are looking forward to. As one of the premiere cuisines in the world, this melting pot of flavours and centuries-old recipes left the taste buds wanting more. Throughout our stay there, tagine after tagine of tender beef, chicken and veg was served graciously with endless amounts of couscous on the side.

No one went hungry in Morocco, and even better, everyone loved this food experience.

The cool Moroccan nights allowed for evening parties where many old friends met each other for the first time.

This first night together in more than two years for Tablers worldwide was a perfect start to the event.

EXPLORING MARRAKECH

WITH THE OFFICIAL MEETINGS starting on Thursday, most of the participants of the meeting were free to explore the resort and the Old City. The markets in the medina proved a particular highlight to many visitors, with local merchants being especially appreciative of new clientele.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

THE COUNCILLOR'S MEETING was followed by training and sharing best practices between associations. This was a new initiative at an RTI meeting that will continue and grow. A central gathering point was permanently established and popular, with a pool reserved for Tablers and our guests.

ARABIAN NIGHTS

BUSSES WHISKED US AWAY to a nearby venue for an authentic Arabian night. Set up in a Bedouin-style tent, we were treated to many local dishes. Traditional dancing entertained guests throughout the evening. The evening ended with a traditional horsemanship exhibition showcasing the Moroccan people's extraordinary relationship with the equine arts. The traditional Numidian charge ended in a crescendo of gunfi re, as well as hearing only a single shot.

THE MEETING

THE HALF-YEAR MEETING got underway with fantastic support from all the Round Table Family members present. A new and livelier format to the meeting was tried and successfully implemented. The feedback on the work done by members worldwide, particularly the efforts to help the humanitarian crises in the Ukraine, made everyone proud to be a Tabler. A short banner exchange followed the meeting, where gifts and greetings were exchanged.

POOL PARTY

AND THEN CAME the offi cial pool party. Most everyone got into the pool, some still in their full meeting dress and with most of the offi cial work done, much more of a relaxing mood swept through everyone. Fun hours in the sun were interspaced with new inductions into the Pool Lizard association.

NATIONS NIGHT

A HIGHLIGHT OF ANY RTI MEETING is the Nations Night. Attendees from all the associations represented showcase their local delicacies, traditions, and clothing. Selections of cheeses, snacks, sweets, treats, chocolates, and a list of drinks no mortal person could ever fi nish was paraded for all to taste and explored. From chewing to drinking and even a good snuff to be had, anyone attending this for the fi rst time had an overload of sensory experiences. Live music, games, and hundreds of people enjoying themselves proved the magic that is the Nations Night once again.

SHARING IS CARING

AS PART OF THE GLOBAL blood drive, a donation station was set up for guests to donate blood. The regional teams had their meetings where a detailed report back of the region was done and discussed matters of common interest.

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

ANOTHER FIRST saw the inaugural RTI Football tournament being contested. Six teams competed in a shortened format of 5 a side football, with representation for all regions present, except AMI. The competition was intense, and with the effects of the previous night still showing, the teams' stamina was in short supply. The fi nal was contested by the two teams from CEE, demonstrating how diffi cult it will be for other regions to take the trophy from them in Denmark.

GALA DINNER

THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR of the gala dinner ended off the Half Year Meeting in style. With the entrances and the brief formalities done, course after course followed, showcasing all the skills of the local chefs. The evening ended, like the others, with a party in the hotel, followed by several groups taking off to explore the nightlife in Marrakech.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

WAKING UP ON SUNDAY, the realisation hit that the end of the event has arrived. Finishing off with brunch, goodbyes being said, and a bag full of fond memories, we departed to the airport before going our separate ways.

This could be impossible without an incredibly dedicated team running the show. Under the leadership of Thami Benkirane, Round Table Morocco hosted an event that will live on in the memories off all who attended. We could not have asked for a better event to reignite the passion that is International Tabling. We all thank you for this gift that was shared with us.

See you all in Denmark. Do not miss this one.