Match made in heaven

Travelling to Bangkok with many emotions and excitement to my first and ever ICCA Conference, with the title “It starts with us”. ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association is the global meetings industry network. ICCA can assist meeting & event organisers in finding the main specialists in handling, transporting, and accommodating international events.

More than 1100 people gathered from 80 different countries. Can you imagine I was a bit nervous? I lost count of the number of times I had to go to the toilet before my presentation….

The moment

I love being on stage. But I was very nervous, knowing that so many people were watching live and seeing yourself on two big screens, wow. I have often been on stage, but not as big as this one. There’s a major difference giving a presentation which is ‘only’ professional but this one was personal, very personal and with a very profound meaning first of all for myself.

For a few seconds I lost it completely. But it went well, and when I walked off the stage, I felt a thousand kilo lighter, the weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I was completely empty.

The moderator Tammy came to me and gave me a big hug, this was so great. Feeling a pair of arms around you, so precious. At that moment I was totally not aware that I touched so many hearts of the people in the room. It was my aim, but you never know, dealing with so many different cultures and languages.

In the evening, during the gala dinner the President of the Thailand Convention Bureau came to me, and thanked me for my speech. I was speechless. He’s so genuine. And told me that he travels with his two little dogs, which is not common in Thailand. A man from Montreal said I touched him in his heart, and a lady from South Korea was crying. The days after I had many beautiful personal conversations with people from all over the globe. Like I removed a barrier to speak openly with each other. No matter where we come from, we are human first. And this was completely in line with the title of the conference, it start with us.

I didn’t win the competition but I completed my mission, inspiring people with my personal and innovative approach, which I did. Congratulations to the winner New-Zealand, to X and X.

And I only shared a very brief part of my personal story, not even the complete story. Just imagine what the impact would be….

Travelling without my laptop

It was the first time in 10 years that I travelled without my laptop! Yes, it’s possible :-)

A real holiday, no extra wifi on my phone. Just using the wifi in public areas and hotels. I will survive without, I don't want to be connected all the time. 

Extending my stay after the conference was an excellent choice. Thailand is a fabulous country and very easy to connect with other travellers from all over the world, from all ages and backgrounds. Deep conversations about life, future and many more. I met two power ladies from the Netherlands, ex-marine, who knew my uncle. It’s a small world. Especially in these times of division and the role of the media, it’s so nice to meet people in real life and have open conversations without judgement, and learn from each other.

Lying on the yoga mat next to two young ladies and at the end of the session we introduced each other. They said they are from Tel Aviv, afraid to express that they are Jewish and to speak their own language, even here in Thailand. Afraid and scared from the judgements of others. From the outside you would say, these ladies are on a holiday or travelling through Asia for a longer period of time. But in reality they are refugees, fleeing away from their home situation. You see the pain, fear and emotions in their eyes. Traumatised. 

I am grateful that I grew up in a country which is safe and never ever had to fear for my life, knowing that I had a safe place. 

Travelling makes you milder, more experienced. In Thailand you see monks, solo travellers like me from all ages, gay, older people, all colours, a beautiful mix of the entire society that goes well together. Not being judged by how you look, what you wear, you are welcome as you are. It’s so relaxing if you enter a restaurant as a woman alone and you get the best table in a restaurant, even though it’s prepared for 4 people, no problem. A simple gesture but it means a lot to me, you feel welcome, accepted. 

I can learn a lot from Thai culture, and do you know that the government will soon approve a law that people from the same gender can marry? 

Toasting on my last day in Chiang Mai of my stay in Thailand with a Belgian beer. A tribute to Christophe, cherishing the beautiful memories with this particular Belgian beer brand. I’m proud of myself, sitting in a beer café with  only locals, as the only solo woman. Not only proud of the fact that I’m here, but also looking back on my holiday in Thailand and my performance on stage. Yes, Christophe I know you are here with me, and you would shine like a bright star. Yes, I still miss you everyday but thanks to you I’m here, in the country where we should have been together. I can look back in pain and regret, and the missing is still there, and on the other hand I’m grateful for the opportunities that were created through the fact that you’re not here anymore. I changed, for the better, for myself and others. I can smile, laugh, enjoy life again and feel the vibes through my veins as before. Feeling alive again and can enjoy and appreciate life.

In the meantime a cat jumps on the seat next to me and creates a comfortable place on my small backpack. Incredibly, cats are so sensitive. Would she feel that I need company, sitting on the legacy of Christophe? My best companion Loekie is at home and my father is taking care of her, but she’s upset by the fact that I’m not there. 

We’re in 2024 and I’m feeling positive about the New Year and seeing a new future ahead full of light and energy.