A South African's Journey to the Italian AGM

Greetings, fellow Round Table enthusiasts! Gather around as I regale you with the uproarious tale of my recent escapade at the Italian Annual General Meeting (AGM). Joined by the infamous Louis "the fly" Janneke from Round Table Carletonville 50, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, cultural misadventures, and an overwhelming abundance of good food and wine. Brace yourselves for a delightful and humorous account of our time in the enchanting land of Italy!

Our journey commenced on May 30, 2023, departing from the illustrious OR Tambo International airport. The flight, in what some affectionately call "Cattle class," proved to be tolerable, except for my unfortunate neighbour, a petite lady who might argue otherwise. However, let's not dwell on the cramped conditions; after all, it's the company that matters, right?

Arriving in Rome on May 31, we hopped on a train to Florence, accompanied by Louis, our trusty guide and connoisseur of cultural mishaps. His rendition of an Afrikaans-accented English tour commentary was, without a doubt, the most comically atrocious I have ever heard. Despite getting lost and unintentionally hiking what felt like 500 kilometres, we found solace in the comforting embrace of beers along the way. Florence, with its captivating history and mouthwatering street food, proved to be a city worth getting lost in.

Our train journey continued, leading us to the charming town of San Miniato. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Round Table San Miniato Fucecchio76 and an extraordinary array of individuals hailing from 17 different countries. The adventure was just beginning! As fortune would have it, my birthday fell on that very night, and we celebrated it with gusto at the stroke of midnight. The consequences of revelry were undoubtedly felt the next morning—let's leave it at that, shall we?

The morning of June 1st was dedicated to a guided tour of an ar-san company, where we had the privilege of witnessing the creation of Italian haute couture products. It was an eye-opening experience, complemented by an extravagant buffet lunch that left us in awe. In the afternoon, we indulged in a Dinner & Disco extravaganza at 'La Loggia Dei Medici Dinner' by the pool, followed by an energetic night of dancing in a Tuscan countryside setting. The Italians sure know how to throw a party!

On June 2nd, we explored the breathtaking Fucecchio Marshes nature reserve, boasting Italy's largest inland marshland. Amidst the diverse flora and fauna, we enjoyed a leisurely day immersed in nature, complete with a delicious barbecue lunch accompanied by copious amounts of beer and wine. The tranquility of the marshes provided the perfect balance to our exuberant evenings.

And then, the grand finale arrived—the AGM meeting and Gala Dinner at the esteemed Golf Club 'Bellosguardo,' situated in the birthplace of the genius Leonardo Da Vinci. It was a momentous occasion filled with pride and admiration for the Round Table movement, celebrated amidst the backdrop of Leonardo's extraordinary legacy.

As I reflect upon the entirety of this fantastic adventure, I cannot emphasize enough the incredible hospitality of Round Table Italy and the remarkable efforts of Round Table San Miniato Fucecchio 76. The pretour was a gastronomic and cultural delight, with sumptuous food, exquisite wines, and a genuinely unforgettable experience. Despite being only three years old, this table has already displayed exceptional hosting skills that left us in awe.