FISM GALA BANQUET DINNER :: BY CRAIG MITCHELL

The Gala Banquet takes oppulence to a whole new level. The ballroom is decked out to the nines with beautifully printed menus giving a preview of the Chinese feast to follow.

Attempting to feed over 2000 people is no easy feat. But the convention has it waxed with an 18 course meal and drinks on tap. The plates just don't stop coming! As convention banquets go - this surely has to be one of the most impressive in years. The Chinese government spent more on tonight than most conventions spend on their entire events put together.

New friends meet old and the real magic of FISM takes hold. Unfortunately brought to a screeching halt by what can best be described as the shrieks of a tortured cat - or its official title "Flying Up Golden Bird and Silvery Bird Wine Song"

Never in my life I have heard something so awful. With that, it was time to leave having to tear myself away from the Group Dance - "The Closest Place to the Sun" - and "Lift your Veil" by the Beijing Dance Academy. The things I sacrifice to write these reports.

Tomorrow's stage contest begins 8:30 am ... until then, it's time to sign off.