When travelling in foreign countries I take photos of any cemeteries that we pass by. Unfortunately the photos I take from speeding buses are not of the best quality. However when we passed the Cemetery in Guyaquil, Ecuador recently the traffic caused the bus to travel at snails' pace so I was able to grab a few images through the windows. If ever I have the chance to visit Guyaquil again this cemetery will certainly be on my itinerary.
As in other South American countries we have visited the interments all appear to be above ground. The more modern multi-storey buildings with compartments for burials are similar to some we have seen in the United States.
One of the Rootstech Organisers told me there were 50+ Australians registered for Rootstech London while another told me there were 60. I think I managed to hook up with about 40 of them prior to or at the event. I was told that the Australians were the second largest group of overseas registrants after genies from the USA at the event.
Some of the Aussies at Rootstech gathered for a photo
Whatever the number it was a vast improvement on the the numbers that travel to Salt Lake City each year for the annual Rootstech conference there. In my interviews and chats with the Australians in London all agreed that for the many Australians who have British, Irish and European ancestry London is a more attractive venue because it can be combined with visits to ancestral cities and towns and associated national, regional and local archives.
Cathie Sherwood, Kerry Farmer and Brad Argent represented Australia on the Rootstech Londonprogram while Fran Kitto, Sharn White, Jenny Joyce and I acted as Ambassadors. We Ambassadors were very busy tweeting throughout the event. I also posted quite a few photos of the event on my Facebook Page here.
Prior to the event we had an active Facebook Group with lots of discussion and friendly advice being shared. We organised meetups in Sydney and London prior to the event so that we would all know some familiar faces when we got tothe Excel Centre for Rootstech London. All members of that group met new genies who became their genimates. I was especially pleased that my third cousin Regina, whom I had only met on one previous occasion was at the event. Having a fellow descendant of our convict Elizabeth Phipps from London with me there was very special.
Cousin Regina and I
I managed to interview a few Australian genies while at Rootstech London. I just wish I would have had time to chat with more. If you are considering a visit to Rootstech if it is staged again in London then listen to what these genies had to say in our interviews and as Fran Kitto said "Start saving your pennies".
Mr GeniAus accompanied me to the first Rootstech London, As an Ambassador I am finding it very helpful to have his support at the event. When not attending talks he has been busy taking photos and recording interviews for me.
Yesterday I asked him to go walkabout and take some photos of the exhibitors at the event. The photos below show the diverse range of exhibitors in attendanceat Rootstech London. There is something to interest all family historians. Anyone can visit the exhibit hall for free during the event.
