Greetings, fellow Rotaractors! As your PR Director, I'm thrilled to share a glimpse of our unforgettable experience at the long-awaited Rotaract District 2452 Conference in Jordan for the 2023-2024 Rotary year!
Three of our club's members – President Elissar Ezzeddine, PR Director Nathalie Fakhereddine (yours truly!) and Member Bahaa Hilal took off on a journey filled with inspiration, fellowship, and cultural immersion.
The excitement was tangible as we arrived at the majestic Amman Citadel for the opening ceremony. District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Melia Haddad warmly welcomed us, officially kicking off the conference. A lineup of inspiring speakers, including our own Incoming District Rotaract Representative (IDRR) and District Governor (DG), kept us engaged.
The flag ceremony that followed held a special significance. It was an honor for our President Elissar to hold the Georgian flag high, symbolizing the beauty of cultures represented at the conference. This moment was followed by a joyous celebration that solidified our Rotarian spirit.
Day two began with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by the much-anticipated tour of Petra, the Rose City. We marveled at the captivating culture and the iconic Treasury, making our way through ancient passageways etched into the desert cliffs. This unforgettable journey transported us back in time.
The adventure continued with thrilling Wadi Rum activities. We roved through the desert in buggies, scaling scenic hills to witness a breathtaking sunset. The evening ended in a warm welcome by a traditional Jordanian band playing their captivating music. We enjoyed Arak, a local spirit, and a delightful cultural dinner.
The evening continued with a taste of Jordanian culture! We learned about the traditional method of preparing a celebratory meal by removing a perfectly cooked sheep from the sand. This unique culinary experience was followed by a night of pulsating desert techno music, creating a truly unforgettable blend of tradition and modern vibes.
On day three, we delved into the vibrant atmosphere of Amman's old souks, immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling marketplace. We then prepared for the glamorous gala dinner, held at a beautifully decorated venue.
DRR Melia Haddad expressed her gratitude to the conference organizing committee, attendees, participating clubs, and the hard-working district team. Tokens of appreciation were presented to acknowledge their dedication throughout the year.
The moment everyone was waiting for arrived – the awards ceremony! We were incredibly proud to be recognized as the club with the most district awards, a proof to our club's ongoing commitment to service. Our Rotarian year ended on a high note, with a total of seven district awards.
The evening continued with the official handover ceremony. Our very own IDRR, Elie Gharios, introduced his team, with two of our members taking on leadership roles. President Elissar was appointed Vice District Rotaract Representative (VDRR) of Lebanon, and Immediate Past President (IPP) Jaleel Chehayeb became the Country Representative of Lebanon.
Before our final farewells, we journeyed to the Dead Sea, a natural wonder and the lowest point on Earth. This breathtaking body of water offered a unique opportunity to experience the incredible lightness due to its high salt content. We reveled in the therapeutic mud baths, known for their rejuvenating properties, and floated effortlessly on the water's surface.
Sharing this unforgettable experience with fellow Rotaractors from around the world created lasting memories. As we departed Jordan, we carried with us a newfound appreciation for Jordanian culture, the warmth of fellowship, and a heart full of inspiration to continue serving our communities.
We extend our warmest gratitude to the District Team and organizers for their exceptional work in creating such a memorable conference and the Jordanian people's warm hospitality.