Diec i nue ve

Bueno, quite a bit of time has passed since I last paid proper homage to the reason that I am here right now:

Anoche I had the great pleasure of sharing Rotary greatness, friendship and a fine meal with the Rotary Club of Puerto Madero.

Following the meal I stood up to give my usual address – infused with some of my latest and greatest Sudamericano exploits – and, in a moment of divinely-inspired impromptu-elocution, concluded my charla with: 'Cada día me levanto y agradezco a Dios y a Rotary.' ('Everyday I wake up and thank God and Rotary.')

My life in Buenos Aires has become so familiar and real that it has paradoxically become surreal. I am awed by some of the 'plight' that, daily, I face (e.g. 'Should I go to the Phoenix concert in Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires?'). (Seriously. Thank you, Rotary.)

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (!!!) Here I find my life; gracias a Rotary--a life that is both beautifully surreal and absolutely real.

I digress.

Because

this post isn't about me.

It's about Rotary:

Rotary is truly great. At the Rotary Club de Puerto Madero reunion I sat beside – quite possibly – the most knowledgeable Rotarian in my Rotary family--a literal fountainhead of Rotary knowledge. And as she shared with me a bounty of Rotary-related information, I was stirred by a tickle of greatness – a sense that I, by good fortune, am a part of something truly great:

Rotary Minute: What is Rotary? from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Rotary is universally great. I feel confident with said proclamation because I have observed greatness in every Rotary club I have visited, from practically Antarctica, to practically the equator, and, obviamente, the plethora of clubs I have visited in District 4890 (Buenos Aires) and District 6930 (south/central Florida).

Words and photographs are wholly inadequate when attempting to convey greatness, but alas, I continue my meek attempt:

Nahuel Huapi Rotary Club in Bariloche, Argentina ('practically Antarctica'):

Rotary Club of Cusco, Peru ('practically the equator'):

Rotaract Club of Cusco, Peru (more of that 'practically the equator'):

My host Rotary Club in District 4890, the Rotary Club of Monserrat (D. 4890):




Ambassadorial scholars at the District 4890 Annual Conference (más D. 4890):

Participating in the 10th Annual Rotary-sponsored 'ENCUENTRO DE ORIENTACION VOCACIONAL' for high school students in Buenos Aires (y un poquito más de D. 4890):


And, Rotary in Pucón, Chile:



... And, if my words and photos aren't convincing enough of Rotary's greatness... bueno, then, I challenge you to find out for yourself.

Cheers and cariños desde BsAs,
NKC