Ontario Sheet Metal & Air Handling Group Convention 2008 Cuba

Hola!
Where to start….all 87 delegates arrived at the airport and except for overweight baggage and a mix-up with a last name boarded the plane and arrived in the evening to beautiful Varadero.  At the airport we were greeted by an enterprising Cuban selling two cold beer for $5.00 Canadian.  We boarded the buses and arrived at the Paradisus resort.  We all were welcomed and assigned our rooms…our luggage was delivered to our rooms …well almost all the luggage was delivered, one delegate finally received his luggage next day.  We had a Cocktail party reception the first day around the magnificent pool and the party began…we were entertained by an Afro Cuban show, some of our delegates participated in the dancing and a competition with the bongo drums.  Each evening we had a choice to dine at a number of restaurants – Caribbean, Steakhouse, Italian, International Gourmet and Japanese.  Everyone enjoyed this dining experience as it was a great way to dine with delegates who you wouldn’t ordinarily have a chance to dine with.

The Board of Directors meeting was held on Sunday and on Monday the Annual General Meeting was held.  There were many “networking opportunities” held throughout the week, the ones enjoyed the most were the informal ones situated around the beautiful pool area. Tuesday was our Golf Tournament and our trip to Habana Colonial.  Rumor has it that a “few” golf balls were lost on the course but for 20 pesos you could purchase 15 golf balls which saved the day.  Some of our delegates opted to go to Habana on other days.  The trip to Habana was 2 hours but was worth the visit.  Some of the attractions were the State Capital building, El Morro Fort, Revolution Square, old Habana and the crafts market.  The delegates shopped for cigars, coffee and crafts, had lunch at a local restaurant and took many pictures.  There were many other excursions our delegates enjoyed….I know of some delegates who did the Jeep Safari, Catamaran cruise, Horseback riding, Dolphin show and the Banana boat ride. Many of the delegates brought pens, pencils, coloring books, nail polish and many other gifts to give out to the maids and other employees of the resort.  One maid received a beautiful pair of yellow shoes. 

On Friday, after a busy week most delegates enjoyed lazing around the pool awaiting our farewell beach party in the evening.  The beach party started out with clear skies but within the hour a rainstorm approached and everyone rushed for cover; within minutes we were all seated under the huge beach house thanks to the fast acting resort staff.  The delegates enjoyed a wonderful evening listening to music and having great conversations.  One of our delegates handed out Cuban cigars for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday was departure day….everyone was using the last day to get one last swim, take more pictures or just laze around the pool one last time.  All of the delegates had a memorable trip and can’t wait for the next one in Sedona.

Submitted by:    June Pierce