Several days ago I did start writing about the AIESEC International Congress Opening Ceremony (see below). I was also going to write about and upload pictures from the Alumni Congress; the inspirational people I heard and met; the parties; interacting with the current AIESECers from almost 100 countries around the world as well as other adventures in Istanbul. However, I have a cold and don’t feel like it. I will write, though, that I am very much looking forward to celebrating AIESEC’s 60th anniversary at the Alumni International Congress in Brazil, August 2008.
The holy Muslim month of Ramazan (Ramadan) started this evening (12 September) in Turkey. I knew it was coming up and didn’t think much of it. Yes, some people would refrain from smoking, eating and drinking during the day and totally refrain from alcohol in the month, some restaurants would be closed and so-forth. However, it was not until this afternoon that I remembered the drummers would be in full force come the early morning–DAMN. Unfortunately, I doubt the proposed ban was enforced. In approximately 2 hours I will find out!
For more Ramazan/Ramadan stories check out nomadlife’s Ramadan blog.
Very soon I will post a major update on life so stay tuned!
As promised, following is my incomplete AIESEC International Congress Opening Ceremony story:
International Congress (IC) is AIESEC’s main international meeting, held in a different AIESEC member country each year. This year the 59th IC was in Istanbul, Turkey. The main congress location was Yeditepe University’s main campus on Kayisdagi, Asian Istanbul with certain events held elsewhere. The congress was opened on Tuesday 21 August at the Lutfi Kirdar Congress Centre in Nisantasi, near Taksim, European Istanbul.
Speeches were given by Congress Committee President Ajda Mustafova, AIESEC Turkey Member Committee President Candost Bayraktar, AIESEC International President Gabriela Albescu, Hewlett Packard Executive Kathy Jackson, AIESEC Turkey’s Board of Advisers Honorary President Nihat Gokyigit and Istanbul Greater City Mayor Nihat Gokyigit, along with 2 performances by Anadolu Atesi (‘Fire of Anatolia’) and Semazen (‘Whirling Dervishes’).
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