Miss Continental
CHICAGO, BABY!
That was my first thought when I was asked if I wanted to go to the USA to be a guest for Miss Continental.
I was filled with joy when my dear friend Melony (Miss International Queen USA 2023) told me back in Thailand she wanted to perform in a different pageant which was very big in the USA, called Miss Continental.
I never really heard about it before, but upon researching I found out it is actually quite big!
When she asked me to attent to support her I immediately said yes.
Never before did I had the opportunity to go to the USA, and this would be my first trip! I was so excited.
She contacted me with her sponsor, who I previously met back in Thailand, Todd Bavol.
Let me tell you one thing about Todd. He is one of the kindest, hardworking and funniest persons I have ever met in my life!
He made sure everything was arranged, from top to bottom and nothing was short.
Not only was I in perfect hands, but the excitement I had with going to one of the biggest city’s in America had me on cloud 9 already.
Now, Miss Continental was something completely different than what I was used to in Pageantry.
It’s a performing pageant, where talent is the front lead of success.
The girls (which were a lot) showcased exquisite gowns, talents and performances. And I've seen it all when I was there! From twirling, to dancing, to singing and even whole choreography’s were displayed.
It was something I haven’t seen before, and something I’'m not used to.
For me, pageantry is about speaking and what goals you have achieved, what kind of social activities have you done for the community.
With Miss Continental it was more a glamorous show with beauty and talent that took the lead. How interesting!
After 3 long days they had the final of Miss Continental and I could see my girl Melony in full glory and pride.
After what felt like hours, she got crowned 2nd runner up for this year.
A quite unfortunate outcome for all, but still a great achievement!
It was time to settle down a bit and let everything process.
She just bought a house with her partner Ace in Kensington, Illinois and we decided to get some rest there.
I honestly didn't know it would be such a drastic change with the busy side of Chicago. You had to drive for 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee from a diner! Secretly I loved it, the true country side of America after all that chaos.
It was exactly how I pictured it, exactly how it was in the movies that I grew up with. Big, open lanes and 24 hour diners. I had my first visit to Target and Walmart and both Melony and Ace laughed at how excited I was for a simple trip to Target.
I know it sounds silly, but when you grew up watching shows like Will&Grace, Sex and the city and all these movies made in the USA you have an image of what that place is like. And this was exactly like the image, even better!
After a week and a half I was ready to return to Amsterdam, with a lot of new memories, experiences and tons of new friends.
I could honestly say that this has been the best experience so far, and possibly of my entire life.
I had the change to experience something I had never done before and wanted to so badly. It made me feel rich in experiences and happiness.
And for that, I am forever grateful.