A funny thing happened on the way to the Podium

I recently had the good fortune to be invited to the Human Rights Watch annual dinner at Theatre Pitoëff in Geneva.  I sat next to a charming Aussie chap called Dave and after a few polite enquiries of each other we found we were similar not overly-serious souls and fell into easy conversation about Australian men – who all think he is gay because he is not a stereotypical Bruce - Sarkozy and his Berlin wall claims and er… Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones.  The Hugh Grant theme crept into conversation because Dave is planning a mini-break drive through the Cotswolds this weekend in an MG.  I think at one stage,  in my enthusiasm and delight at sitting next to such a fun chappie,  I even let a naughty ”eff” word escape my lips.

Somewhere between main course and dessert whilst I was talking to my neighbour on the other side,  Dave disappeared and then Dave suddenly reappeared on the podium as one of the key note speakers of the evening.  He spoke eloquently of the troubles on the Burmese/Thai border and introduced his friend the dissident and co-founder of the AAPP, Bo Kyi*.    Over the last 20 years, Bo Kyi has demonstrated unfaltering courage, sharing his story and those of other political prisoners and exposing the Burmese military government’s abuses. Human Rights Watch honors Bo Kyi for his heroic efforts to speak out against Burmese repression and to advocate on behalf of those who have dared to criticize the military government.

Bo Kyi 

 

I felt a little foolish and when he returned to our table I apologised sheepishly for being such a light weight and asked him to sign my programme.  He laughed and asked me to sign his.

If ever, during your life time you come across a Mr. David Mathieson, let  it be known that he loves to talk about all manner of frivolity as well as being an excellent, passionate speaker and defender of human rights.

Next year I’ll read the programme thoroughly from beginning to end.

*http://www.hrw.org/en/defenders/2008/10/03/bo-kyi-burma