WBF OPENING CEREMONY
It was an impressive opening scene as one entered the Alfa Theatre to see two huge clasped hands covering most of the huge silver curtained stage with the World Bridge Federation Flag as a backdrop. After the welcoming speeches by the Sao Paulo Mayor, Ernesto D’Orsi and Jose Damiani and introduction of the 36 participating nations here for the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and/or D’Orsi Senior Bowl, each team seated in the same vicinity arose to be recognized by the audience. The “hands” separated themselves and departed to their respective sides of the platform and the mind-boggling Brazilian spectacular began which included renditions from concert pianist, Arthur Moreria Lima, including the impressive Brazilian National Anthem with an array of dancers, singers, gymnasts and other assorted talented performers. Following the two hour ceremony, the guests enjoyed getting to socialize over the flow of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and all sorts of chafing dish goodies.
As many of these that I have attended over the years with Norman and Bobby, I still depart with the same fuzzy feeling: A touching array of warm, genuine friendships –some new — and others forty and fifty years in the making and a camaraderie that can only be felt but not explained. You had to witness the admiration and respect among the countries — but come 11 a.m. this morning — it is all out war (the good kind with bidding boxes and pasteboards).
Until Day Two of the competition!
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Hope Bobby & the other Americans do great – and – hope you are enjoying yourself Down South!
Except for the fact that my back ‘went out’ (since a fall a few weeks ago) and I am in an antiquated wheel chair (possibly the first one ever used in South America), I am surviving. I insisted on ordering for tomorrow a ‘scooter’ which was unfamiliar to them, but I explained it was motorized and would take less a toll on my back than manruvering the present one. Aside from that (and the food) — all is great. I’m not big on Portuguese cuisine. The Morse Team had three decent matches and hope to continue toward qualification tomorrow. We start out against the other U. S. Senior team (Lynch). Should be very exciting.
Except for the back – sounds pretty good. I had back surgery 10 years ago. Boy, did it help – thank goodness! Unfortunately, prior to that, I had many years during which I was able to very well understand just how painful a bad back can be!