SIFE World Cup 2009 DAY 1

Hello all! Here we are in Estrel Hotel and Convention Center in Berlin. The hype is already up, there are so many people from so many countries and nationalities around. It is hard to go into an elevator and not meet some other SIFE member from other competing countries.

We got here not too late since we were already in Berlin for the past few days, so we just had to move hotels, but it is havoc here! The hotel boasts of 1000 rooms but the receptionists seem to be in a tizzy to check people into their rooms. And we really needed to move our things into our rooms as we have to get ready for the Cultural Fair. Azalia and Dalveen had to go for Parade Rehearsal and the Technical Team has to go for Technology Check. Everyone is running around and just being crazy!

The first day of the event is the always the one that is most fun, where all 41 countries show off their national pride and traditional threads and bites. The hall became a cultural celebration.

In a way, I would say that Malaysia's booth was represented a little differently this year as we portrayed a lot of East Malaysia, especially Sabah. We handed out traditional Rungus bead necklaces (courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board), fed the crowd amplang and kuih cincin, and of course, Kinon the Orangutan was there to greet the world.

Oh yes, meet Kinon, our orangutan mascot.

We were all dressed up in a myriad of traditional costumes. In this picture taken with Zul Saadon, SIFE Malaysia Country Director, we are (from l-r) Indian saree, Punjabi kurta, Sabah's Dusun Tindal and Kota Belud's Iranun costumes (male and female).

After a couple of hours in the hall with much dancing and fiesta-ing, we were hyped for the opening ceremony, where each country gets their 30 seconds of fame on stage when they announce all competing countries.

It's a sensational feeling.

The Leagues for the Opening Round competition the next day were determined that night. This is done by a random program and Malaysia was in League 7 with Ukraine, El Salvador, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Who will go to the semi-finals?

Stay tuned for SIFE World Cup '09 Day 2!

Breaking chains for change