Lost in translation

This week has been a bit of a killer; Monday was five countries in 15 hours, (UK, Austria, France, The Netherlands and finally Sweden). Tuesday was a big presentation in Stockholm before flying back to the UK getting home at 11PM, Wednesday started at 4AM and finished at 4AM on Thursday. Thursday started at 10AM and finished at 6PM and Friday was a day off so I only worked for 5 hours. I make that about 67 hours and I have another 8 to do on Sunday. From bitter experience I can say that 75 hours in a week is hard going.

Whilst hanging around in Stockholm airport I noticed the English translation of a menu, I have no idea what raw fried potatoes are but It made me wonder what translations from English into other languages can be found in London.

US Navy

The Seychelles Seem to be the southern hub of a large anti piaracy operation and a lot of US navy aircrew were staying in our hotel. They were obviously trying to be incognito for "OPSEC" (operational security), working in the industry they stood out like sore thumbs to us. I had an overwhelming urge to get the DJ to play "In the Navy" by the village people to let them know we knew who they were. this was coutered by a stronger desire for self preservation that stopped me, there were more of them and they were all a lot bigger than us!!

Tax on airline tickets

As we were meeting an airline they had provided "free tickets", we only had to pay the tax. Most people are totally unaware of the percentage of the total cost goes to the Government and how much goes to the airline, £720 later we had our two free tickets and checked into the flight.

Monday Morning Blues

I work for an aviation service company in an operational role and travel the world, every year I think I should have written a blog about the interesting situations I find myself in. This year I have decided to give it a try, let’s see if I manage to keep it up. Most people think that business traveling is glamorous and whilst it is good and I would not change it for the world like everything there is a downside. This trip was not untypical of a long haul trip which should give some idea about the reality of these things.

Sunday 10th January
The first destination of the decade was the Seychelles. In order to get there on Monday we had to leave on Sunday from London, which meant leaving the family Sunday Lunchtime something I don’t really like doing. I managed to get about four hours sleep on the flight.

Monday 11th January
We arrived in the Seychelles at Midday Monday and had our first business meeting set up for 3PM so it was off to the Hotel for a shower and change. We just had time for a quick regroup at the bar before the meeting where I was able to take the picture at the start of the blog; there are worse places to be on a Monday morning!!! Then it was into the meeting followed by dinner and back to the Hotel by 9PM for two hours in the bar preparing the agenda for the next day. Back in the room, with a four hour time difference from the UK I couldn't sleep but managed to find Manchester City V Blackburn live on the TV. Finally got to sleep at 2AM.

Tuesday 12th January
The alarm woke me at 7AM after only five hours. Our meetings started at 8AM and went on until 7PM. Back in the hotel for a quick dinner at a lovely restaurant next to the beach with the crashing of the waves interrupted only interrupted by the constant ringing of our Mobiles as it was only 4PM back in the UK. After dinner it was back to the bar to review the day and prepare for the next day. Off to bed at 11PM unable to sleep again until 1AM.

Wednesday 13th January

Meetings started at 8AM back at the hotel by 11PM drinks at the bar bed by Midnight.

Thursday 14th January
Alarm at six, leave the Hotel for the flight back to the UK and home by 11:30PM and on the 6:49 train on Friday morning, total sleep since Sunday morning 19 hours. these trips are no holiday!!