2011 AG

Reviews from the 2009 RG - Mensa in the Mountains

Laura Krown from Vancouver, BC won the prize for the best reflection of the 2009 RG

Kudos and much appreciation to everyone from Calgary Mensa who helped make the Banff RG happen. It was a great idea to hold it in Banff, and an even greater idea to have it at the Banff Springs Hotel. Getting such good group rates for the hotel was absolutely brilliant! The whole program was well organized and enjoyable; but the star of the show was definitely the setting. The Banff Springs Hotel has a spectacular aura worthy of the magnificent mountain setting: just being there was a big thrill. I missed many of the speakers in order to spend time outside, walking by the river and enjoying the perfect weather and glorious scenery. I also adored the Jacuzzi and the swimming pool, and loved just wandering around exploring the hotel itself. I normally live very modestly, and could hardly believe that I was actually a guest in this splendid castle. That I was there in such excellent company made it even more fun, and was the best Mensan experience I've had in the 25 years that I've been a member.

My personal favorite moment was getting to sing "The Lonesome Mensan Blues" on Saturday night in the Cascade Ballroom. That was the ultimate highlight of my non-existent showbiz career, and I doubt that I'll ever top that. I will cherish the memory, and I am truly grateful to all of you for making such a good time possible for all of us. Thank you very much!

Wendy Proctor Mulligan from Revelstoke, BC

"Thanks for a fantastic weekend - loved it!".

Gail Kopp from Calgary, Alberta

"I would like to add my congratulations on the organizing of the RG. It was so well set up with interesting things to do at all hours of the day; yet you managed to leave it open enough to let everyone do what they wanted. And, of course, the setting and the weather were superb.

Stan and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Thanks for all your time and effort!"

Raihan Khan from Calgary, Alberta

I am sorry I could not make it to the Grizzly Dinner but if I were there I'd have a toast to you! Hat's off Mensa Calgary ... very well done! I had US Ms come up and say that this was their most memorable RG in years! And these are folks that have been to RGs all over the place.

Robert Probasco from Spokane, Washington

The Saturday dinner was a double bonus with the guest speaker at our table and the most enjoyable British pair beside us.

I particularly enjoyed the two early morning hikes and the late night games with the Mensans. The perfect weather took us out of the hotel more often than not but we still enjoyed a couple lectures (Keri was entranced by the grizzly one).

On the final day we eschewed the presentations to hike up Johnston Creek and on to the inkpots. What a great outing. We're still savoring the ambiance of the area. The dozens of snapshots I took will help us relive it regularly.

I hope the photos I took with your camera at the dinner serve you well. You certainly served the Mensans well with this spectacular RG.

Andy Hammill from Charleston, South Carolina
Everyone from the Calgary Mensa were very friendly and fun company. Barb, Harvey, Robyn, Leo, Jan and Dianne were Great!

Alan Tubbert from Dublin, Ireland

Thanks again for the great weekend

Karen Roberts from Dayton, Ohio

Mensa member, Susan Zurcher from Dayton, kindly invited me to come along to the Banff RG as her guest. Over the years of knowing Susan I had heard many stories about World Gatherings, Annual Gatherings, Regional Gatherings and local meetings. Indeed it was fantastic for me to be able to tag along as a guest and experience the fun, adventure and flavor of the Mensa scene in such a beautiful setting.

The organization of the event, in my opinion, was outstanding and team Mensa Calgary did a fantastic job. If there were a Stanley Cup for event planning, your team was TOPS!

The accommodations were great and we were pleased that the excellent hotel rates could be used for 8 days. We took advantage of that and stayed for seven. Even though the Fairmont rooms were at the low rate for the hotel, we thought 675 was the best in the hotel, a real "Room With a View".

Thanks again!

Jeff Smith from Cleveland, Ohio

I'm finally home and settled back into my real life. I thought I'd write and thank you for a wonderful RG. I had a great time! Thanks for all the attention to the special meal requirements and especially for arranging all the outdoor activities. I hope to be back up there again soon.

Michael Zondagh from South Africa