My blog entry just a while ago might have given the impression that there was only disappointment. The flaws in the process and the ordinary lunchbox were minor disappointments. The truth is that the experience was overwhelmingly positive.

I made new connections, met astounding people, caught up with old collegues, heard stories from lots of people from different backgrounds (from the CEO of IBM to a fellow who runs a youth centre in Auburn). I was inspired, uplifted, disturbed, and deflated. I laughed a lot, cried a bit, felt proud, inspired and humbled. I heard men of wisdom and women who will without doubt lead us in the future. I met indigeneous people, a woman from ethiopia, people with disabilities, christians, moslems.

The spirit of equality was empowering. The  optimism, passion and deepness of thought with which everyone came to the event created an environment where debate was not just encouraged, but enthusiastically undertaken with the aim of consensus and progress not victory.

Our task was to change a nation in 1.5 days. Be kind to us if we didn't quite make it.