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It is not all film viewing.  In addition to the gala dinners at the start and end of the event, there were four outings all told:

Moselle (Monday afternoon 26th August 2002)

A coach trip through pleasant rolling hills took us to the river, where we boarded the magnificent Princess Astrid for a gentle cruise.  It was on this boat that the Shwengen Treaty opening up Europe's borders was signed.  For us it was a chance to relax after some serious movie watching and to take in fresh air and enjoy good company. In the evening we went to wine caves for some sampling, an excellent meal, singing and dancing.  The Belgians chose to serenade the Italian table with some "soccer opera" selections! (Belgians know how to have fun! Jef Van Gompel relaxes on the boat, while Wolfgang Freuer leads a vigorous conga after the meal.)

Eysleck (Wednesday 28th afternoon)

A drive through more rugged countryside, steep cliffs and forests with the occasional medieval castle like something from a fairytale.  After a pleasant hour in a village we went on to the astonishing Family of Man photographic exhibition . This was assembled by Edward J. Steichen an American of Luxemburgian descent. In the height of the cold war era he collected over two million photographs showing humanity doing all the normal things of life.  From these 503 pictures by 273 photographers were picked for exhibition.  They show how similar people are all over the world.  The images are immensely powerful, moving and so well exhibited that their combined effect is almost overwhelming. The original show is re-created with the photographs fully restored and they alone make Clervaux Castle a must-see destination in the Grand Duchy. Then on to a posh golf club for an excellent meal and some folk dancing.

Old City Tour / Shopping (Thursday 29th morning)

While the official national delegates attended the UNICA General Assembly everyone else enjoyed a trip to a local shopping centre, or a guided tour of the old city of Luxembourg. The English guide was excellent - full of wry humour and energy.  He gave us a clear picture of the history of this nation, the development of the city and some of its personalities.

Schueberfouer (Thursday 29th evening)

A surviving street fair from medieval times, this has now become an immense funfair in the centre of the city attracting huge audiences - and two teams of film makers from the UNICA jeunesse group.  Brave souls even tried the local delicacy of fried fish.

Page updated on 14 February 2008

Authors' views are not necessarily those of The Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

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