Partial Pimp Pad Reunion.

Ok, so I also have to admit that the thing that had me most excited about IC, beyond the 550+ delegates from 95+ countries & territories and all other promises of a conference so massive, was the Partial Pimp Pad Reunion 2006.

Unfortunately, we didn't get as much foursome time as hoped, but I don't even know where to begin describing how nice it was to be with everyone again. For the majority of us to be in the same country, same city, same locale--amazing. I didn't think I'd ever get to see that day.

Even more. It wasn't just a Partial Pimp Pad Reunion, but so many people from AIESEC US.

It was nice to meet the new generation, as well as meet up with some people that I was sure I'd never see again.

Usually, I'm not real sure what to say with all of these things. Still am not. It's difficult to have the people you care about most scattered all around the world--family and friends alike. No two people are in the same place--and it's hard to know when you'll see someone next. And you simply have to keep the faith that you will and, really, the more random the place, the better.

aftermath

To be really honest, I didn't think I'd ever meet people again like I used to at conference. Where your connection is fierce and intense, then saying see you when I see you with complete confidence for later endevours and ridiculous situations. Usually, it's not until later, when you're walking down busy streets, you see a hint of someone that, for a split second, is actually some random delegate that you met. That's when it hits you like a ton of bricks--that you really don't know when you'll see them next, or how much you'd like to be around that certain vibe of several people met.

So there is that. It surprised me, although it shouldn't have. My last conference before IC was WSC 2005, which seems like ten million years ago. One of the best I'd been to.

I miss the regional conferences. I miss the Rowdies. But I have such ambitions for Ireland--and all the worries of what if's and past problems have dripped down to puddles beneath our feet. IC was the best thing that could have happened for all of us. Stepping back from the current situation to take everything into perspective.

Being in that room with 550+ people from more than 95 countries & territories, I think we all realised that these students are fools if they don't take advantage of what we offer. And that, if all fails, there is something wanting in our linguistic abilities.

It's nice because there is a new energy that hangs onto the words everyone speaks. We have received most CEEDers and they are more than fantastic, as well. A solid crew. I don't know what else you could say about everyone involved in the remaking of AIESEC in Ireland this year.