Around the world in 110 days

Working for a global company and managing a strategic partnership located in 43 destinations around the world is like my professional dream come true. When I left school in Bruges in the seventies, my goal was to find a job and see the world. And I guess that’s what I’ve been doing so far, for the past forty years. The last year in particular was heavy duty.

Luckily this travelling does not only consist of putting my bum in an aircraft seat. Travelling for business has given me many more things and brought some fringe benefits on the go. It allowed me to get a wider world view and it taught me to challenge opinions, share ideas and learn from peers. Having a look at my extensive LinkedIn, Facebook and Outlook contacts lists it also confirms that I met an awful lot of unique people. Many of whom have become friends – only a few became enemies - but hey, that’s life. At least I learned that there are many truths. I learned that by talking to people and showing empathy, one can move mountains rather than create controversy. My travels also reminded me that my generation did too little about the lessons learned in terms of caring for the world we live in and the persons in need. At least, in the past few years it appears the idea to care about people and planet has caught on. Let’s hope that some idiots - you know whom I’m talking about - do not turn the clock the other way… 

My travels this year with Ovation Bear, my fluffy pink travelling companion,  took me from urban jungles to emerald forests. There was not one continent we left out. And as the love of a travelling man goes through his stomach, I caught King Fish in Kerikeri and ate sushi in KL airport. Lobster was the best in Rhode Island and for my beefy pleasures I returned to my favorite churrascaria in Sao Paulo. The food in Addis Ababa was ‘interesting’ but on the other side of the specter there were Ana Ros’s Slovenija delights. When I came home sweet home, I spiced my Flemish Classics with curries from Sri Lanka, spices from Istanbul and salsa from Costa Rica. I’m now also the proud owner of a Panama hat, a linen scarf from Vilnius, an Emirati Djellaba, an Indian Kurta Pajama and five pairs of Maui Jim sunglasses… But I must also count my losses. I lost my Bj?rn Borg swimming shorts in Mexico City, my Gilette Fusion-ProGlide-with-FlexBall-Technology in Barcelona, my Havaianas -believe it or not- in Rio, my iPhone charger in Paris and of course my mind in multiple places. And then there were some unique encounters, often with strangers, beautiful story tellers, sharing laughter, or a Chardonnay, or both and leaving behind a mark on my soul. I wish we had more time… 

In the past year, I was happy to see that my children are doing well in life. Joffrey being not only a passionate professional but a caring and loving father. Ophélie, the architect, creating her first and personal opus magnus with the renovation project of my house against the background giggles of her two little brats. Several times this year, people walked up to me at trade shows around the world and said ‘ hey, you must be Fauve’s father’ ! You cannot believe how motivating this comment can be when you’re out on the road and knowing that someone is following in one’s footsteps. And then there is Lola, who’s still under the wings of a caring mother, enjoying life to the fullest, singing her heart out in a sort of Spanish and English that both of us do not understand, nor does she. But it sounds good. Belgium’s got talent! I am also lucky to still have my two parents around, although the going has been tough. Celebrating their 60st wedding anniversary recently and hearing great stories from friends and family only confirmed to me that Steve Jobs probably stole the ‘stay hungry, stay foolish’ quote from my dad. 

So, back to the future now! What more do I have on my ‘bucket list’? Of Canada, Argentina & several Latin American countries, East Africa and some Eastern European a stamp is still missing in my passport. Many resorts, hideaways, isolate places and white sandy beaches are missing too because I almost never come there, contrary to jealous belief. 

Next year I’m turning my life’s calendar to page 60. And I’m already thinking: where am I going to be in ten years? Will I continue on Robin Williams adage of ‘make your life spectacular’? Shall I continue living in the fast lane, or has time come to slow down? My gut feeling and stamina will drive me as usual. You tell me in ten years if I’ve done well. 

Hugo Slimbrouck is Director of Sales & Strategic Partnerships of Ovation Global DMC, the destination services brand of the MCI Group. As a Past President of SITE, the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence, Hugo continues to support this global association for business development within the EMEA region.