a rather tongue in cheek thanksgiving. the participants understood the references but i hope that something will give an idea of the ILO training.
Thanks giving speech
Course A 2040
Gathered are we all, in this room
For the fattened lamb and a bit of food
This is the occassion for thanks and for good words
I venture to do so, with permission, in verse
There are many memories that we shall take
Who can forget the tough bread we could not break
Nor can we forget London's beautiful walks
As we followed Mr Piva round and round the blocks
I can see the face of the London bus driver, disbelief profound
When he could not see any school children around
And yet Mr Piva asked for tickets twenty two
Little did he know, he looked after us as mothers do
Not once but he counted us again and again
But for him, we could never have boarded the plane
Back in Torino can we forget the sole TV of antique brand
Or the radio, chained to wall, telling us news of homeland
We had newspapers plenty - three times a week
Of holiday trips we must most gratefully speak
The centre has kept up its traditions excellent
How does it matter if some found them inconvenient
Some bear the uncharitable thought, most undeserving
The centre kept our return tickets to prevent deserting
In fact splendid care the centre took as we went to study
Kept our tickets and our passports in safe custody
Lest we lose them as we go for smooth and rough
As children are bound to do when not careful enough
So far as the course is concerned what can I say
Every time the excellent masters had their way
Confused were we when we came from our travels
Confused we still are but at much higher levels
We came as trainees, became participants, then delegates
Without, of course, corresponding rise in per diem rates
But I must not forget the sincerity of the Course Director
Nor the single minded devotion of all the other actors
Last but not the least, we must recall arrangements of mess
Reminded every one daily that the home is the best
So let us carry the memories, bitter and sweet
Torino really turned out to be quite a treat
Thanks to all who made it so grand that we can say
Once in a life time is enough - if we have our way.
(Torino, December 3, 1989
After the farewell dinner, which, incidentally, was quite tasty, speeches were to be made. And I had prepared this one. But unfortunately the Chief Guest could not come and so they had to be abandoned. But the copies of the speech were distributed around.)