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January 21, 2011

Five Senses...


Sensory overload.  Everywhere I looked in China there was something new to take in - sights, smells, food. The sheer size of China is overwhelming and the fact that Xiamen, a clean modern city of a few million, is considered small compared to some areas is just staggering - and hard to capture and express in just a few photos...

Since this was a work conference little time was left for adventure but we did manage to find a karaoke bar in the form of a giant pirate ship (yes, a full size ship in the middle of the city) and lead the bar in a rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'. I was also roped into dressing as a koala bear to represent Australia in one of the conference events and bravely tried the local seafood cuisine during 13 course banquet dinners.

Lastly I am happy to say that I survived my presentation and was pretty proud of overcoming my fear.  I did have a mild panic attack when I first saw that the stage was huge and look as if it was hosting Anthony Robbins. There was no table to hide behind so I had to work the stage as if I was auditioning for 'So You Think You Can Dance'.  When the mic (which was clipped to my jacket, leaving my hands free so I could attempt to make professional hand movements - whatever those are supposed to be?) stopped working I had a moment of panic creep in but luckily it was fixed before anything major happened.  

Once it was over I completely blacked out and don't remember anything that was said but since the audience clapped I assume all went well.  Let's hope I don't have to do another presentation anytime soon...but at least this time I'll go into with a bit more confidence.

9 comments:

Nic MacIsaac said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nic MacIsaac said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nell said...

Good work lady. You did us proud! China sounds like an amazing place. And the pictures are awesome. xxx

Maura said...

I LOVE the koala costume and the commentary on your presentation...hilarious, as always!
I think if I were you I would have volunteered to give the presentation in the Koala costume, that would have eased my nerves! haha

Nic MacIsaac said...

love the costume, sounds like a great trip!

Kristi said...

china...i really need to catch up on your blog.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a crazy, whirlwind trip!

Looks like you had fun though, and great work on overcoming your fear xx

Ellie said...

Golly, you have been a jetsetter lately! First Bali, now China. I would like a life swap now please...

katie said...

wow! bali AND china! I will never get tired of seeing these photos! and congrats on your presentation going so well!

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