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10:30 am – Edinburgh – Day 9 – The Final Fling
MPI's next PEC-Europe will take place in April of 2005 in the
fascinating Principality of Monaco. As
is usual, the final day luncheon is thrown by the following year's PEC
host. The lunch itself was delicious
consisting of a main course wonderfully prepared Rack of Lamb and I was done
in by the Lemon Tart with clotted cream dessert. We were even treated to a taped message of
welcome from Prince Albert. Monaco
looks to be a very interesting venue for the next PEC-Europe conference.
11:45 PM – Day 9– Con't
MPI's closing night dinner (or the "Final
Fling") was held at the Royal Museum of Scotland.across
from Greyfriars Bobby's Bar (that's right, bar – not
pub). Greyfriars Bobby, of course, has
always been touted as the most loyal dog in the world. A Skye Terrier, he supposedly was so
devoted to his master John Gray, even in death, that,
for fourteen years Bobby lay on Gray's grave leaving only for food. I suppose
the bar is attempting to inspire the same loyalty in its patrons.
 During the pre-Dinner drinks and champagne, kindly
sponsored by The Witchery, we were allowed to wonder
among the exhibits in the museum. A
main attraction was a mock-up of the sarcophagus of Mary Queen of Scots, but
I was most fascinated, to Beth's chagrin I fear, to the somewhat interactive
exhibit of "The Maiden." The
Maiden was used for beheading criminals in Scotland
from 1564 to 1730. The Museum acquired it in 1797, at a time when in France
the Revolution, with the use of the guillotine, was at its height. A touch screen apparatus near the display
while explaining the gruesome details of this monstrosity allows one to see a
demonstration of the blade's movements.
Notice is taken in the presentation of The Maidens superiority over
the previously used chopping block. I
never cease to be amazed at how governments throughout history tirelessly
pursued more and more efficient methods of dispatching their citizens.
Well there were some more pleasant exhibits and
interesting paintings and sculptures, but we were called to dinner in the
Main Hall before I got to peruse the lot.
And what a  dinner it was. A
quick run-down… Starting with Sun-dried Tomato & Boursin
Cheesecake, on to a main course of Roasted Chicken Supreme (and a Chilli Chocolate Source) ending with a Prune & Armagnac Tart with Passion Fruit & Wild Berry Shot. Yes, it was all good. There was also something on the menu called
Isle of Barra Tablet that was to be served with our
coffee. If I ate it, I was unconscious
at the time.
The Main Hall itself is worthy of a long look, with its
reflecting pools lining the middle of the room and the strikingly ornate
gothic tower clock anchoring the far end.
Pre-dinner entertainment was provided by PVC with after dinner dancing
to Dexter & The Revelation.
Scottish toasts and awards were handed out by MPI honchos and dining
was accompanied by a visit by something called Swamp Circus. Oh, just look at the photo site and you'll get
the general gist.
* * * * *
This was the official end of the conference although I'll be
attending the MPI Golf outing at St. Andrew's Bay tomorrow. MPI seems to always do these things up
right and this year's PEC-Europe was no exception. This week, I was greatly wined, dined and
educated. What more can you ask? If Monaco
is going to top this, they are going to have to put on some conference.
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