iCON 2003 REPORT - page 3 of 4

SATURDAY: MAY 24, 2024

The workshop sessions at the Holiday Inn this morning included "French Wine Tasting"; "Introduction to Oriental "Massage; gay "East-West" partnerships, and "How to Develop your group with Long Yang Club International". There were two sessions, separated by a short coffee break, so people could attend two of the workshops on offer.

David ran the Wine Tasting workshop and people were surprised that a Scot knew so much about French wines! Philip Kee, our Malaysian friend from London, ran the Oriental Massage workshop and his workshop attracted lots of interest as well as giggles! The relationship workshop was managed by a French expert on gay relationships and the LYCI workshop was managed by George S., LYCI's Treasurer.

David and I had lunch with LYC Paris organizers after the workshop but we had to rush as the coach for the afternoon tour to Versailles were already waiting outside the hotel. The ride to Versailles took us through Paris and its outskirts, and 45 minutes later, we were driving though one of the elegant boulevards of Versailles city. We were informed by the tour guide that the architect of parts of the city was also the architect for parts of Washington D.C. That is why some of the roads in both cities look similar in design!

The Palace of Versailles is huge and our visit was fascinating. We walked through a succession of rooms of incredible grandeur, mostly created by or for Louis XIV ('The Sun King') in the 17th Century. After seeing round inside the palace, it was quite an experience to emerge into the great expanse of formal gardens with the fountains switched on.

We arrived back at the Holiday Inn at 6.00pm. We had only 30 minutes to get back to our hotel, to wash and change, before returning to the Holiday Inn to be taken to the boat quay on the River Seine to board our Cruise Boat, the 'Alize'. We made it just in time. Phew!

Aboard, we were greeted by "Captain" Franck (President of LYC Paris) in his boat captain fancy dress uniform. The theme of the night's event was 'The Love Boat'.

As the boat left the quay on its cruise along the Seine, we had a chance to admire some of the sights of this lovely city . We went to the bow of the boat , nudging each other in fun as we passed under one historical bridge after another. Lovers embraced as they posed for pictures against the changing backdrop of the Paris cityscape.

Above: The Alize 'Love Boat'

(From L to R): Group cheers on the Love Boat Seine Cruise; "You can squeeze my tits till I squeek, I still won't talk"

(From L to R):; "We're looking for the Snails on the Menu!"; Buffet on the Alize

(From L to R): " What me, a cute sailor? You're awful but I like you!";"With 'Captain' Franck on my side, I'm saved!"

(From L to R): "I really love the Cheese in France but the men are more delicious"; "Paris is truly a Romantic City, Good job I remember to bring the condoms, darling!"

The buffet was amazing and it included all of the most famous French delicacies; oysters, escargots (snails), freshly cooked foie gras and much, much more, all washed down with complimentary wine and other beverages.

When the Alize docked two hours later, the lower deck was opened to host the disco and cabaret evening. Over 200 people attended the event. As the DJ started spinning the music, the dance floor was seen heaving with gay Asian and non-Asian men, dancing to the disco beat.

Pics Above: Hot bodies gyrating in the Love Boat Disco

When we were all feeling rather 'hot', and some of us were shirtless, the Cabaret shows began. These were a series of song and dance routines with an Asian theme, performed on a beautifully decorated stage. All the performers were members of LYC Paris. They had a lot of talent and had worked extremely hard to produce a show of professional standard. I shall long remember the 'Asian Strip Tease' the Vietnamese Romantic Dance, the 'Michael Jackson Lookalike Dancer', the Angel Dancers and indeed all the excellent acts.

Clockwise from top left: Thao announcing the Love Boat Cabaret Show; Asian Angel Dance Show; 'Captain' Franck showing off his hunky uniform; LYC Paris 10th Anniversary Cake; Oriental Dance Routine.

When we were tired and ready to go home, LYC Paris had arranged for some of their members to volunteer to provide a free car 'shuttle' service between the boat and our hotel from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. It simply amazed me what great volunteers LYC Paris members were!

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