Arriving in the incredibly beautiful city of Toronto, my taxi driver couldn't help but notice my enthusiasm and lust for this new favorite city of mine. The feel of a European Chicago was intense and I cannot wait to return. My first destination was the inviting InterContinental Hotel where a room and shower (Thank God!) were waiting to wake me from my 10-hour trek to RecruitFest.

I proceeded to the lower level just in time to see the top of Dennis Smith's head disappear down the escalator. This sighting caused me to burst into a slight run... As I gathered with other attendees in the lower lobby for breakfast and preliminary networking, it was immediately clear what a great day it was going to be. New friends and instant cohorts hugged, laughed and entered cautiously a room FULL of percussion instruments - I can't begin to tell you any of the names of these extraordinary instruments as they were rattled off too quickly and minds were spinning - although everyone knew, "I need more cowbell... I got a fever and the only cure..."

The drum circle was a hit and a great ice breaker, to be sure. The sense of community we already felt was soon stronger and more prevalent as we pounded our bongos, congas, bells, and tambourines. There was a sense of a hunt ready to commence, a union about to be forged, and bridges needing crossing.

The cheers, applause, laughter and thirst for more was evident and we couldn't wait to see what waited for us as we prepared to hunt, forge and cross into an uncharted networking haven...


Unforgettable moments for me during part un are numerous but here are a few:
~Hugging a favorite Animal!
~Meeting the incomparable Michelle
~Sitting between my friends, John Sumser and Gerry Crispin in the drum circle
~Seeing my buds Jason and Dennis once again - missed you guys!
~Seeing Claudia, Susan B and Maren again... Thanks for being such inspiring women
~Putting faces to all the many friends from RBC...
~Getting a small tidbit of Penny...., there was more to come, to be sure!