No XII in Italy!

Every time I write one of these reports it always seems to involve me sitting somewhere, having a drink, before my travelling companions arrive. This time I'm to be found in one of the bars in Glasgow Airport, nursing a cold Peroni and waiting on the RWM and IPM (the rest of the group having flow out that morning). This should have been a very simple journey, Glasgow - Amsterdam - Bologna. It proved to be anything but. The flight to Amsterdam was on schedule and we arrived in Amsterdam with enough time for some food and a small libation. On checking the departure boards at Schipol Airport we saw the dreaded work "DELAYED". Not to worry, we could have another beer and watch some of the football. About an hour later we were told that our flight was cancelled and we'd now have to rebook for tomorrow. Thanks to the work of the RWM we managed to get booked on an early BA flight to Bologna via Heathrow. All that was left for us to do was to collect our bags and headed to the hotel, all the time trying to ignore the jealous feelings welling up towards the Brethern already in Bologna and, by some of the text messages, having a great time.

The next day's travel proved to be much more successful (thanks, in part, to being rushed through security at Heathrow) and we arrived in Bologna only a little behind schedule. After a quick taxi ride we arrived at the hotel, checked in and then headed to our rooms for a quick shower, change into our kilts and head out to the meeting. Whoever thought wearing kilts on a blistering hot summer's day in Bologna was a good idea was totally out of their mind. It must be said though, we did look good! From the moment we arrived at the temple we were made to feel incredibly welcome by the Italian Brethren. The installation itself was wonderful, made even better by the spectacular surroundings. We were piped in by Bro Hector Macphail PM and that certainly made our entrance that bit more special. Even though the meeting was conducted in Italian (obviously) we all managed to follow what was happening. I think because of the language barrier however, the differences in the ritual were much more apparent. Many nationalities were represented that day, but it was only when our RWM gave the Salutations from the Foreign Constitution Lodges did you realise just how many Brethren had travelled from all over the world to attend. The Italian hospitality extended right through the meeting and into the dinner where, after a lovely meal and some very nice wine, we were entertained by some very amusing speeches and even more amusing translations!

The meeting may have ended but Alan, Bob and I had some serious catching up to do. We all headed back to the hotel to change and find somewhere to watch Italy v. England in the World Cup. Bros. Tony Buckley and Barry Banks may have been disappointed by the result but I doubt any of us were disappointed by the hospitality we received that night.

Bro Allan Glen WJW