The team led by Azusa Ieizumi from Japan, constructed the signature sculpture which was in the entrance to the grand ballroom & competition area. We were watching their progress as we completed our large sculpture for the competition & their techniques & ideas are amazing.
The Internation Reception was held in the Welcome Centre, where we all gathered to introduce ourselves & induldge in some snacks & beverages. Of course, there was some more Aussie chanting & we also brought along some Aussie treats like Minties, Tim Tams & Vegemite for everyone to taste. We were quickly becoming a popular bunch of people!
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| I think a few people who had snuck off for a quick nap are missing from this photo, but you get the idea. There's me in the front left next to the lovely Lis & Cheryle, both from Melbourne. |
Next stop is the Welcome Festivities. This was extremely fun for an event which only lasted one hour. As we entered the room, instructors & staff lined each side of the walkway & waved 260Q balloons at us (these are the long twisting balloons). One of the huge names in balloon twisting & weaving, Robbie Furman, was our MC. He taught us to make a simple heart from the 260Qs we were given & we all wandered off to give it to someone we hadn't met before. A few short speeches by some of the organisers about the events that are planned for the rest of the week & Ted & Betty Vlamis, the big bosses of Qualatex. Then the first ever appearance by Mr Q, the Qualatex mascot! Now we're all motivated & excited for classes & lots of fun!
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| Walking into the Welcome Festivities with all the 260Q balloons being waved around, so much fun! |
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| Mr Q & Robbie Furman our MC. |
