Over the past week I have shared food with people from all over the world. All of us were attending the International Permaculture Convergence in England. Breakfast company, for example, went as follows:
Day 1: Hong Kong
Day 2: India
Day 3: Australia and Germany
Day 4: South Africa
Day 5: England, Australia, Germany
Day 6; South Africa, Hong Kong
At other meals I ate with folks from Malawi, Zimbabwe, New England, California, Pennsylvania, Ireland, Holland, New Zealand, The United Arab Emirates… and I’m sure many other places that I just can’t bring to mind. Away from the dining table I’ve talked to people from so many other places. I’ve heard ordinary people’s voices, not filtered through the media. I’ve talked to someone who described their experience as a soldier in the East German army in Berlin when the wall came down; I’ve heard what residents of Hong Kong think about China; I’ve discussed apartheid with someone who lived through it in South Africa; I heard the news that Tony Abbott had been ousted from a real-live Australian rather than via the BBC… it has been an interesting week.
Almost everything we know about the wider world is filtered through the media and it is, therefore, an eye-opener to hear about events, lives, politics and anything else from a real person with direct experience. It is simultaneously much gentler (no garish media imagery, just a real voice) and much more shocking….
“What happened to you when the wall came down?”
“They just sent us home… but they took our guns off us first.”
I have never before had the opportunity to interact, face-to-face, with so many people from so many countries. If you ever get the chance to attend such an event, I recommend that you seize it with both hands. I think it’s going to take quite some time to mull over everything I have heard and seen.
There was no shortage of people to talk to
Oh, and I also met up with many old friends and sold lots of hats…. all round an amazing week. Now please excuse me while I go and lie down for a bit…
The Snail of Happiness 
Ann Laken
/ September 17, 2015And hedgehogs. And drank champagne. And..and..and… So fab to see you. 🙂 XXX
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2015So many things… many more related posts to follow!!
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davidprosser
/ September 17, 2015I’m delighted to hear you had such a great time. Glad you’re home safely.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Equality 333
/ September 17, 2015Sounds amazing! Definitely the best way to expand your knowledge not twisted by hidden agendas.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2015I have been so lucky – it was like the world had come to me!
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Equality 333
/ September 17, 2015Such an important thing to search your own source of information and other cultures 🙂
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thecontentedcrafter
/ September 17, 2015Yes! I used to attend international conferences and it was there I really learned there is no difference between hearts except culture and politics. Doesn’t it make you realise what a privileged existence we live when you hear snippets of other lives? So glad to hear you made some sales as well!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2015I was fascinated to hear other people – other cultures – other ideas. I love making contact via the internet, but it was lovely to meet folks from around the world in person.
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narf77
/ September 17, 2015Just wondering why Australia and Germany got 2 days? Fair do’s for Germany as it has it’s own cuisine, but we Antipodeans aren’t all that far flung from Auld Blighty and thus by default, we are “you” ;). Before you lay down, have a cup of tea. EVERYTHING is better with tea 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2015It was the origin of the people – so completely random! So many of the Aussies I met not longer live in Australia… odd that! Oh, and there was plenty of tea!!
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narf77
/ September 18, 2015Too hot in Australia. Lots cooler (and more rain) in the U.K. 🙂
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katechiconi
/ September 17, 2015It just shows that wherever you go, people are just people. Not their labels. Other people have so much to teach if you just put them together in a place of cooperation, learning and goodwill. And hats. Lots of hats.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2015In the past I’ve met people from all sorts of countries, but never before have I been in one place with so many nationalities. And, you know what? Nobody had a war! We didn’t all agree all of the time, but that was OK and we were able to discuss our differences without coming to blows. I really don’t understand why that can’t be scaled up; after all, as you say, people are people.
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katechiconi
/ September 17, 2015I think it’s down to goodwill and a common purpose. If we can only agree that common purpose without the pollies sticking their noses in, humanity could achieve great things.
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insearchofitall
/ September 17, 2015I am green with envy. To meet so many people from so many countries at once would be an education in itself. Having traveled (moved) a great deal and met so many nationalities, I’ve learned to overlook the culture and hone in right on a persons heart. Most of the world is filled with wonderful, bright, caring people. Those days are done for me but I am so happy you were able to have such an expanding experience. Each one yields something different. But in the end, there is no place like home and a good rest. Enjoy.
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arlingwoman
/ September 17, 2015This sounds great. You’re right; firsthand reports from someone who knows about something are so much better than some skewed news report written to fit an agenda. So glad you sold some of those beautiful hats!!!
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eloquentparadise
/ September 18, 2015Sharing real experiences with people of different countries over food is amazing.
You had a great time.
Also, how did you like the Indian food? 😉
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 18, 2015All the food was good – but the people were better!!!
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thegrangerange.wordpress.com
/ September 18, 2015Sounds amazing.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 18, 2015It really was a unique event for me… what a way to open our eyes
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