VUNA Views, Vol. 8, No. 2, Spring (June), 1999

VUNA Views, Vol. 8, No. 2, Spring (June), 1999

The Chiang Mai Congress was many things: a showcase for the diverse opinions and outlooks of vegetarians. a gathering of new and old friends, and a turning point for the IVU itself. VUNA Councillor and Congress participant Gerry Coffey wrote about her Congress experience while it was still fresh in her mind. Here are some excerpts (see her whole article):

World Vegetarian Congress '99: Much More Than Just Food

Even the best of marriages have their breakdowns in communication. So, to bring over 500 diverse personalities, cultures, languages, and idiosyncrasies under one roof and expect nirvana is a bit naive. My husband, Ray, and I are used to culture shock and feel gratified to have had the privilege of "cutting our teeth" in the genteel Thai culture many years ago when we lived in Thailand for eight years.

We had made a number of stops before arriving in Chiang Mai: Los Angeles, California; Taipei, Taiwan; and then Bangkok, when we had our first introduction to plant foods that looked and tasted like the "forbidden fruits" of yesteryear ("meats" of all kinds-but made from soy!). The feasting nearly did us in, but thankfully, after a few days of overindulgence, I came to my senses and reverted to what works best for me (predominantly fresh, uncooked fruits and veggies). also started running through the streets of Chiang Mai in the predawn hours with buddy Mark McClellan (also from Alabama, USA), and a newfound friend from Vancouver, Canada.

This proved just the right antidote to get me back on track and warm me up for teaching my 7:00AM Bodyworks class, which gave me (and hopefully those who attended) a gift for the day! I prefer to exercise early as if I put it off until later in the day, something often intervenes, and I also find I'm better prepared for whatever the day might bring.

Meeting 80-year-old Arne Wingqvist, a vegan nearly forever and "raw fooder" for the past ten years, was a highlight of the Congress. Arne recently conducted a water-only fast while leading an over 500-mile march from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Despite a freak bicycle accident some time ago that resulted in a broken back and loss of ten centimeters of height during the healing process, Arne's health and fitness are a match for many a fraction of his age, and there wasn't a single man at the Conference who was able to best him in arm wrestling The vegetarian Chiang Mai Garden Hotel refuses to take his money, and Thais from all walks of life vie for the opportunity to serve him, as age is revered in Thailand.

Another great Congress highlight was meeting VUNA Councilor and "Iron Lady" Ruth Heidrich. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for breast cancer in her mid forties, she discovered the benefits of a "clean" diet and exercise, and started training for the Iron Man Triathlon (swimming 21A miles, biking 110 miles, and running a 26-mile marathon!). Since that time she has completed several Iron Mans and accumulated many world medals and awards. Now 64, Ruth was severely injured in 1998 when she was hit by a truck [see VUNA Views, Vol.7, No.4]. Multiple breaks and crushed limbs did not keep her down, however. She's been continuing her world lecture tour on crutches, and was able to throw them away before she reached Chiang Mai. She hopes to return to competitive running in the near future.

Overall, Ray and I thought the Congress was terrific. Some of the lectures and workshops (regretfully, many overlapped and try as I might I couldn't attend all!) were exceptional. The entertainment was "majestic" and varied, the weather great. We regret Chiang Mai has become so polluted, however! The IVU sessions were informative, sometimes stretched out and strained, but ultimately productive.

We've all been asked to submit recommendations to help make future conferences better. Although Toronto (2000) and Edinburgh (2002) won't have the language and cultural differences experienced in the Far East, the following suggestions might be helpful:

- Scheduling top speakers for more than one lecture so that those with conflicts would have another chance to attend.

- Scheduling a variety of exercise classes (which everyone needs, especially when keeping such hectic schedules) at various times, such as before breakfast and just before lunch, and a yoga and/or meditation class after the last event at night.

- Stretch breaks during lecture sessions whenever people are required to sit more than thirty to fifty minutes.

- When visiting a foreign country, never criticize the hosts, particularly in public or in front of local citizens. Also, realize there are bound to be many differences in culture, attitudes and habits, and Western ways often seen as barbarous to the natives as theirs might to us.

- Appreciate that frayed nerves, queasy stomachs, and irate tempers are usually due more to lack of sleep and overindulgence than to the "thoughtless" person who crossed your way.

- And finally, I regret time ran out leaving me no chance to say "good-bye" to many of my newfound friends, so please know it wasn't intentional to depart without a quick hug, handshake or "wai" (Thai greeting and farewell).

- Gerry Coffey

Gerry's suggestions will get a hearing from the planners of the 2000 World Vegetarian Congress, to be held in Toronto next July and ably hosted by the 'Toronto Vegetarian Association. Congress Coordinator Kevin Pickard fills us in on some planned highlights of the first WVC to be held in Canada

Maintained by Judy Miner jwminer@accessvt.com
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