iCON 2003 REPORT - page 4 of 4

SUNDAY: MAY 25, 2003

We had a 'lie in' until 11.00 a.m, after which we went for the iCON 2003 brunch at the Hotel du Nord, just two blocks behind the Holiday Inn. This is a small hotel which has a history related to an old French movie of the same name. A fascinating place for movie buffs!

After that, it was soon time to leave for our final 'fling'.

Top: Friends from London, Washington DC, Malaysia and Belgium outisde Hotel du Nord.

At 1.45 pm, we assembled outside the Holiday Inn for our coach trip to the Chateau of Bellefontaine, situated about an hour south of Paris in wooded countryside.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with 'Welcome Cocktails'. This was followed by a short film with a gay theme. This movie had received high acclaim and it was directed by a gay Asian member of LYC Paris. It also included another Asian member on the cast of actors.

Then, to keep us out of mischief until dinner time, we were divided into teams of ten for a 'Treasure Hunt' in the grounds of the Chateau. We had to look for 26 different questions related to Long Yang Clubs around the world, to iCON or to gay themes.

And so, we came to the final Grand Gala Dinner in the elegant dining room of the Chateau. This was a really upmarket occasion, with some 200 diners. After an excellent meal , the dining room was rearranged theatre style, and we greatly enjoyed watching the Mr. iCON 2003 contest. These were three very sexy and attractive contenders , in addition to which three of the iCON registrants from outside France participated with a dance routine.

The evening ended with speeches and a warm vote of thanks to our Parisian hosts who had worked so hard and who had shown such generosity in ensuring that we all had a truly memorable 4 days at iCON 2003.

Finally, it was announced that iCON 2004 (www.longyangclub.org/icon2004) will be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2004. When we got back to the Holiday Inn in Paris, we got off the coaches and hugged each other and said not good-bye but 'Au Revoir' (See you again) in Bangkok!.

(From L to R): Chateau Bellefontaine; 

"The person who farted in the coach please raise your hand!"

(From L to R): Happy Friends from LYCs in Holland, London, Paris after drinking French Champagne; iCON 2003 participant looking for the questions at the Treasure Hunt :"It can't be inside that flower pot, can it?"

(From L to R): Two Happy Indonesians; Gala Dinner at Bellefontaine

(From L to R): Sexy French Guys of LYC Paris; Mr. iCON winner

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