RAMAK SIADATAN: Travel, Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

Only one? Not fair. I have to give at least two. When I read this about seven or eight popped into my mind, and more since. I’ve been lucky – travel has happened for both personal and work reasons and I ALWAYS pull out a few memorable moments.

First one is extraordinary. 2004 Athens Olympic Games. My wife and I are attending the Opening Ceremony. Both of us have been life long fans of the Games and the Olympic Spirit. We appreciate the beauty of people coming together for the sake of something as simple as sport. We saved up for years, and in fact, weren’t even dating when we decided to make the trip three or four years earlier. So that moment when we were sitting there, with 90,000 of our newest friends, sharing in a global experience with the entire world represented not only the spirit of the Games that we sought out, but also the journey we had taken together over three or four years to get there. Just amazing. Chilling, really.

Second one is more subtle. I’m touring with my youth symphony. We are doing two weeks in Eastern Europe shortly after the wall fell in Germany. We performed in Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest and Prague. There was one night, eating dinner in a village outside Salzburg. A few of us wandered off to soak in the night air, and then the world just stopped. An amazing array of colors in the sky, everything was still and no one moved. I then turned to my friend and said, “did you just feel the world stop?” He replied, “I thought it was just me.” Then we sat in silence another thirty minutes. A moment that will never happen again, and you’re so thankful you recognized it when it did.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

Don’t forget about getting there and getting back. Traveling is more than just what you do at the destination. If it’s a personal trip, enjoy the pieces involved in putting the trip together. If it’s a work trip, appreciate the unique opportunity you have to go somewhere without spending additional dollars out of pocket. And then, if you’re on a plane to get there...enjoy the flight! If you’re driving, enjoy the drive! So much of my fun on trips has happened in transit. As a member of a college marching band, we took vans, buses, planes, private cars...you name it... just to get to a football game. And the stories from those trips are some of the best of my life.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

A net doesn’t just appear. Someone needs to know you need a net, or you need to build the framework upon which the net can be placed. The “miracle” net is a rarity, and one that should definitely not go unappreciated. But in general, I think you build your own foundation as you go. When you are honest, caring, good to other people, patient, not cutting corners and thinking about more than just tomorrow, you are building safety nets with every move. I have definitely received my fair share of nets after jumping...and there’s a reason behind each one. The real “miracle” net for me, however, was landing in a family where despite not agreeing on most things, everyone agreed that raising my brother and I properly was always to be the number one priority. I didn’t jump for that net...they wrapped me in it before I ever knew how to leap.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

Honestly, I like mediocrity. The little things sometimes create the funniest stories, or the coolest learning experiences. For example, rather than pay my bills online or mail them in, sometimes I just drive to the local/regional office in town to make the payment. Driving around town eats up time (and gas), but it’s amazing how many cool things I stumble upon while I’m out. Great conversations with strangers, bumping into friends, finding new restaurants...the list goes on.

That being said, the “big” things have their limits. And yes, I focus only those for which I have the most passion. Everything else is “nice to get to”, but without a few priorities it’s hard to keep control of your life.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

I’ll chance being a bit risqué with my response. There’s an American cartoon show for adults called South Park. And four years ago, they had an episode about an election for a local school that was between “A Turd” and a “Douche Bag.” If you know enough American slang, then I don’t need to explain any further. But just in case you don’t know, let’s just say I’m never really thrilled with my presidential choices. I think the impact a President has on the United States is fourfold: 1 – Level of inspiration on the public. 2 – Ability to charismatically and smoothly interact with other world leaders. 3 – Selection of the Cabinet. 4 – Initial war-time decisions. That’s it. I don’t think the President has any real impact on the economy, jobs, anything. Mostly, a President is a source of motivation. People who are inspired will work harder and you’ll see self-fulfilling prophecy changing the direction of the country more than any decision the President makes. Likewise, be uninspired and people’s negative attitudes will reflect poorly on our country and our economy/markets. I think the world will have two views of our President-elect. Some will be inspired by the progressive step our country has finally taken. Others will potentially see an opportunity to take advantage of someone who is strong in his knowledge but lacking in his international political experience. Ultimately? I think the election itself will have more of an effect than the man over the next four or eight years.

SHERRY ZHANG: Travel, Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

The question recalls my memory of a trip to India with my friend Jennifer five years ago. We spent a few days in Delhi and visited Taj Mahal. Both Jennifer and I dressed look like the local women. When we were in the rickshaw and went through the market of Old Delhi, local people put friendly attention and greeted us, elephant and cows passed by… Even today, the smell of flavor, the color of people’s dress and houses, and the sunshine still feel so vivid – it’s an exotic experience!

The Taj Mahal is just a miracle, with a sad love story. I had the best tasted curry chicken there.

The recent trip to Yosemite and Camel-by-the-Sea at California was also wonderful. I felt my heart and mind was washed clearly by the broader and beautiful view.

Another trip that stayed in my memory as the sweetest one was the trip to Southern China with my parents back to 7 years ago… It was the first time that my mom swam – in the pool and the sea! I can’t forget the smile in her face – that’s the smile I never saw from her, she was just like a little girl!

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

I travelled a lot due to work, but I found the memorable traveling are those with people I cherish… I once tried travel alone at Australia, but found it’s hard for me to enjoy such trip. The lesson I gave to myself was not to travel alone – I might be too narrow and dependent, it’s still hard for me to enjoy a real trip alone.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

I believe the saying, and wonder if I’m following it… I once was asked if I’m not aggressive enough to try new things when I was interviewed for the existing role (which I’ve been in three years) as I stayed with my last employer for over seven years. The reason I found was that my roles had been changed almost every other year and I moved to three places in the last job, so there was always enough challenges. But now, three years has passed and there were not so much significant changes happened in my role except my team and I had run many of programs… It’s just recently I found it’s a bit boring that the team is still using the framework and methodology that I developed three years ago on a program. I have the urge to make change but it seems drive the team a bit crazy.

So far in my life, I experienced living in 5 cities other than my hometown. All seems happened naturally without strong intention, purpose or plan. It just happened due to work change.

So in short, I think my way of handling life and work may not to make significant change decision but there got to be something new from time to time. And I follow my heart. When the time is right, I see the change happens naturally.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

I always feel shame when I saw this kind of quote – I feel that I’m a mediocrity that lives in a life with daily trifles… I often admire those who could be very successful on their professional life, yet also colorful in their personal life – they sing, dance, write, paint and design… and they’re really good at everything!

I am not. I could get excuses of being exhausted on work; not talented enough, no light in my life or no time…

I’m still on the way to explore things that I am absolutely passionate about in my life… And I know I would agree to the quote by then. For now, I have to be a mediocrity to enjoy the little joy of trifles in life.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

This is absolutely some things exciting! My husband once bet with me that he believed most of Americans would change their mind and still give the vote to McCain at the last minute. I disagreed and won the bet. I see the need of change though as a foreigner, I may not have so much insight as you all have.

I personally heard so much about diversity by working in American companies so far. And I often doubted that people said so it’s just because the US government has requirements to companies in this area, and it’s just because they said there would be labor shortage in the future 20 years if the company does not consider diversity in their employment…etc. – it’s just because that often in the working environment, what I saw is not what I heard.

The election result created a record in US history, and I believe it would prove to the world what diversity really mean in US.

I did not spend time to study Obama’s political viewpoints and his speech, but I just dislike Bush, and don’t believe people at McCain’s age with same party of Bush would make any positive and new change to this country.

I just wish that all what Obama said is not just for the election and I believe the world is waiting for changes of the U.S.

EDUARDO INFANTE: Travel, Work and Poltics

Hi there! I'm still struggling with a bit of a delay in posting that I'm planning on cutting this weekend. Here's my answers to last week's questions. Again, better now than never! (Or is this another typical example of this young Mexican's "mañana" culture?... Sorry for the delay, is all I can say)

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?
Like some of you FQOF (Five Questions On Friday) authors, I did a year of traveling in this wacky organization called Up With People. Well, some of you did more than a year, while at least one of you did a little less than a year. Anyways, I guess that the time in Up With People gives us plenty of inspiration to write about a favorite travel memory.

But my favorite travel memory is not related to Up With People. At least not this time. This story is about a trip I did back in high school.

Back in those days, when I was a teenager and life did not seem as complicated as it now seems sometimes, a bunch of friends and I made this trip to Zacatecas, one of Mexico's most beautiful colonial towns. We won a contest at our school (don't ask details, but we cheated, I must admit) that allowed us to come visit for an entire day (the trip from home is really short) instead of going to school. So we did.

Among the many episodes of that particular 1-day trip, the one that comes to mind right away is that of myself standing in front of a crowd of total strangers, at the town's main square, and me babbling nonsense. These people probably thought that I was a comedian of some sort. Perhaps, they were waiting to hear something intelligent coming out of my mouth. But nothing rational did come. As my friends and I were walking down the street, I just felt the urge to ramble. And so I did. Words started flowing, people congregated, and all of a sudden there it was, an audience in a show in which I was the main character.

The plaza was filled with doves, there were plenty of them. And the show was about me trying to convince the listeners of purchasing those doves from me. White doves were for making peace. Black doves were for making war. (I know, my writing doesn't make sense, thus far. I know. My talking didn't either, back then) Either I was a damn good dove seller, or these people in this highly touristy town had just too much time to spare, for the crowd reached a couple dozen people in its best moment.

I was 17 then. 16 years afterward, at the age of 33, I think about this younger version of me, in a time when I wasn't afraid of making a fool of myself, nor was ashamed of stepping out of my comfort zone, and could not care less for public exposure.

Perhaps, the reason why life seemed brighter than it sometimes seems today, is because I was not so aware of people's opinion's on me back then. Perhaps, one starts feeling (and acting) old when one begins to take life seriously, forgetting about adding some foolishness to one's life every now and then. Perhaps, this serious approach won't necessarily make you smarter.


2. What is something you've learned from traveling - a lesson that you've tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?
The two things I've learned from traveling that I think I've tried to carry with me in the rest of my life is 1) never trust tourist guides, and 2) you can learn amazing things by simply walking.

I won't get into details with point number 1. It's self explanatory. I'd rather get deeper with point number 2.

When I was 15 years-old I did my first trip to the other side of the Atlantic, entirely by myself. Well, sort of. I was part of a large crowd en route to Roma, Italy, in order to celebrate the 50 Anniversary of the foundation of Legion of Christ, a religious congregation in which I participated vividly in my younger years. The point, nonetheless, is that I was traveling by myself, without my parents. It was also my first trip abroad.

We spent about a week in Rome, participating in several religious services, and having the chance to greet Pope John Paul II three times during that week. But we also had plenty of free time to hang around and do the typical sightseeing tourists do. Even though I was part of a group of people, it was not like I was supposed to be with them all the time. I remember that one day, on a Sunday morning, I simply took off my hotel and started walking.

I walked and walked without really know where I was going. It was not even the touristy kind of walk, in which you're following map directions in order to hit a certain sightseeing spot. No, this was more of a get-to-witness-real-Rome-and-its-neighborhoods-with-no-tourist-attractions walk. I remember greeting people on the streets, just for the heck of it. Some of them would look at me with awe, but would still smile back. Some of them ignored me, instead. Just as it would happen in any other street back in my country, I thought. I went to churches, saw buildings, smelled the food, fought the traffic - which in Italy, it's a real challenge for any pedestrian -, and got lost. But I did find what real Rome was all about in the end.

Later in my life, I've done the same things in many of the places I've been. I've just taken off and have walked, to have a better feeling of what life is in other corners of the world. And every time that I visit a new place, I try to walk. And so I've walked in Toronto, Canada; in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora; in Hamilton, Bermuda; in Helsinki, Finland; in Paris, France; in Mexico City; in Caracas, Venezuela; and in many other interesting places around the world. I just did not walk in Tucson, Arizona, last Summer. It was too hot.


3. I've been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across with this quote: "Jump, and a net will appear." What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

I think it's a rather true statement. I was just reading the story of a farmer who losses his only cow, and after some months, becomes a rather successful person doing something completely different than milking his cow. The reason why this happened is because this farmer, when losing his cow, jumped, and new things were there to greet him.

Does this philosophy apply to my life? One could say it does not, since I've been working for the same university for the past ten years of my life, without risking to attempt a change in direction, apparently. Yes, I reckon I'm more of an averse to risk individual. But I know that there is always a new window of opportunities if we only dare to attempt looking at the other side of the hill. And I so need this philosophy in my current stage of life...


4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

I could not agree more with it. In fact, I teach my students something like that, called "The 3 Circles and the Hedgehog Concept", by Jim Collins. I like to show my students a video on Ethan Bortnick, a 6 year old kid who has has found the intersection of the three circles in his life. In order to be happy, he just has to keep exploiting this core for the rest of his life. I think that's the way it should work for everyone. In my case, I thing that I'm passionate about communicating with people, perhaps in the training industry. Perhaps that's where I should be heading next?


5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

That's a very interesting question that I'd rather answer in another posting, if you allow me to do so. Can I do it like that?

JENNIFER RABOLD - Travel, Work, and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

My favorite place to travel is a place where I spend a longish time. I suppose the longest time I spent out of my own country was when my Up With People cast traveled to Mexico. I have so many fond and scary and interesting and eye-opening memories of Mexico. But I suppose my favorite memory of Mexico was spending three weeks in Saltillo as part of the advance team. I was the only Spanish speaker on the team (and that wasn’t saying much), so I had to learn to be confident in the language as quickly as I could. Fortunately, we were staying with the parents of a current student, and they were so good to us and helped us out a lot.

My favorite memory in Saltillo was Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which falls on November 1-2 (November 1 is actually called Dia de los Angelitos, to remember children who have died). In this very Catholic country, the ceremonies and rituals of Day of the Dead could not be further from the Catholic traditions… they come straight from indigenous practices.

Eduardo can probably correct some of my mistakes in my description of the holiday, but I’ll relate what I remember. On this day, families go to the cemeteries and spend time washing the graves, decorating them with flowers and tequila and other ofrendas (offerings), and then partying all night long right there in the cemetery (drinking the tequila, of course). What a celebration of life and acknowledgement of how present death – and the dead – are in life. And for the entire month before November 1, families erect quite elaborate altars or ofrendas in their homes dedicated to those family members who have died. They decorate them with photos of the deceased, the favorite foods or drinks or clothing items or other mementos that belonged to the deceased, and several ritualistic items, like candles to light their way home, a glass of oil to ease their way, a glass of water, calaveras (little sugar skulls), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and other religious symbols (usually a cross is displayed). The items on the ofrenda are not meant to be wasted, however. I can’t tell you how many times I was offered items from the ofrenda when I visited a home… including an entire bottle of tequila once!

My favorite ofrenda was one we experienced when we visited a school. It was a living altar, and the students were impersonating the students and soldiers of the Student Massacre in Mexico City in 1968. They were frozen in their places, soldiers with guns, students dead or dying on the ground, as a narrator told the story. On the altar were school books and pencils and all the things that students would need. Even though I was translating the whole thing from the Spanish, it brought me to tears, it was so powerful.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

I think something I’ve learned to do when I travel is to spend my money wisely. I’ll stay in cheap places, crash with friends, trade houses, travel on trains, pack peanut butter so we don’t have to spend money on lunches. But I’ll spare no expense when it comes to really experiencing the place. My in-laws took all their children and their families on a cruise to Alaska a few years ago. On this cruise, you could just stay on the boat, you could just get dropped off in the towns, OR you could sign up for expeditions to really experience Alaska. We signed up for the expeditions. We went on a crabbing trip, we visited Mendenhall Glacier, we took a train ride up the mountains, we panned for gold, we went on a whale watching trip (where we were treated to a pod of about 20 whales bubble-feeding, where they all dive down simultaneously and blow bubbles in a circle, so the air lifts the fish up, followed by their enormous open mouths… man, that was awesome!). It cost a fortune, and I did it all with an 8-week-old baby carried on my chest, but how many times does one get to travel to Alaska?!

I’ve also learned to do my research, but to stay open to serendipity. I planned a trip for my family to visit France for three weeks last year, and truly, the only mistakes I made were taking the 3-year-old to the Louvre and going to Euro Disney on a summer day. In Paris alone, we visited the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Rodin Museum, Versailles, Luxembourg Gardens, Bois de Bologne, and Notre Dame. We took a ride on the Bateaux Mouches, we traveled by Metro, we saw a Guignol Marionettes show (humor that even my non-French-speaking children could figure out), we ate lots of crepes and omelettes, we attempted grocery shopping and tried out some wonderful restaurants. My sister-in-law, who lived in Normandy with her family, planned the most amazing itinerary for us there, including a pilgrimage to Mont St. Michel, a visit to see the medieval Tapestry in Bayeux, and road trips to some little known chateaus and abbeys.

But I couldn’t find much information about our other destination, Pontarlier, a tiny little town in the foothills of the Alps, so we waited until we got there to see what we could do. We were told that we weren’t far from Switzerland and that if we walked “up there” (with a vague wave of the arm), we could reach Switzerland. So, we packed a lunch, a camera, and a whiffle ball and bat (you know, the essentials when traveling with young boys), and just started walking up. And up. And up. And along country roads and down dirt paths and around corners until… around the corner, we came upon a ruins… a Fort Mahler, according to a rusty sign, an immense edifice built into the side of the mountain we had just climbed. It had grass growing out of the great rock blocks and was clearly uninhabited except by birds, and we were just amazed… until we walked around the narrow edge to the back of the fort and gazed upon the most breathtaking castle, also built into a mountain a few miles away… oh, and Switzerland. When we finally got home, we googled our journey and discovered that we had walked 8 miles and discovered the Chateau de Joux, a medieval castle we might never have found had we relied only on the research.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

Well, it happens to me all the time… Dan loses his job, ends up working at home to his great satisfaction and financial gain; I apply to grad school, don’t get into my first choice, but end up getting a full fellowship I didn’t even apply for. Where will I jump next? I have no idea, but I’ve learned not to worry so much. I love the line from The Sound of Music: “When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.” BTW, I’d highly recommend Zen and the Art of Making a Living. It’s full of wonderful suggestions like this.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

I’m torn on this one. I certainly don’t follow the advice, although sometimes I wish I could. I just don’t seem to have been born this way. I never suffered from too few ideas about what job I wanted to have, rather that I have too few lifetimes to try them all. I did cut down on a bunch of activities when I went back to school (first and foremost, my job!), which allowed me to really focus in on one thing, which was nice as long as it lasted. But now I’ve got all these other opportunities, like some classes I’ve been offered to teach and research projects I’m working on and grants to write for. And although there are stressful moments, I love it. I’m passionate about life, and I don’t do anything with mediocrity.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

This morning, I was observing some classes in a middle school in Dorchester, Massachusetts, part of the Boston Public Schools system. Only 10% of the school is white. And I have to say, I am so glad I visited today. The energy in the school was just contagious! The students (and teachers!) were just bursting with pride, with their Obama t-shirts and stickers. And it was so great to hear them all talking about politics! I think this election inspired a whole new generation of voters.

I’ve also spent much of the day reading e-mails from all my international friends, who write “Congratulations, America!” and I am so glad that we will have a president who will represent America responsibly and humbly to the rest of the world, a president who is intelligent and isn’t afraid to hide it because he’ll certainly need it, a president who can actually string a coherent sentence together (these last 8 years have been hard on my English teacher self). Perhaps we’ve gotten beyond the anti-intellectual movement, the belief that you should elect a president you’d like to have a beer with, the wish to feel smarter than your president. Perhaps we’ve swung back from the “me, me, me” and started to realize that we’re all in this together, that when the poorest among us loses his house, it will affect the portfolio of the wealthiest. But maybe I’m still dreaming…

BRETT BATTLES - Travel, Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

I love to travel. I’ve spent nearly two years of my life, all totaled, outside of the USA. It would be so hard to pick a single memory. Crossing the Arctic Circle in northern Finland? Going to a beer garden party in Germany? Standing in front of the statue of David in Florence?

This past week I just returned from 10 days in London and Paris where I went with my girlfriend Kelly. That was a marvelous trip I won’t soon forget.

But at the moment, if I had to name one, and this is actually pretty damn obvious, it was walking into a rundown, second floor nursery in an orphanage in Can Tho, Vietnam, and picking my daughter up out of the crib that had been her bed for months and holding her for the first time.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

That not only is everyone different, but we are all the same, too. We want to be happy. We want to love. We want to live our lives. So treating everyone with respect is so important.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

It says that sometimes you’ve just got to take the opportunity and go for it. Kind of like what I did in September…I decided that my writing career was going well enough that I could quit my day job and trying writing full time for a while. There is no guarantee that I’ll be able to keep it up forever, but I needed to try. And so I am.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

Yes and no…see, as a writer I think it’s important to have my hand in a lot of different things. Jack-of-all-trades kind of thing. I’m just interested in so many different things, that to give one up seems a waste. And, ultimately, I end up using a lot of them in my work. And since writing is what I am MOST passionate about, it all works out.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

I honestly thought before this election, and still think now that it is over, that Barack Obama was the only candidate that could drastically change the view of America in the world. To me that was one of the main reasons I voted for him. Because, though many Americans don’t think this way, I believe that the world is too small to think only about ourselves. We are citizens of the world first, and how we treat each other, how we respect each other, how we listen to each other is so very important. I think Obama was the only choice – even as far back as the primaries – who could bring credibility to America’s effort to embrace the rest of the world. Now it remains to be seen if he actually does.

PETER WARING - Travel,Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

I have been really fortunate to have enjoyed some wonderful travel experiences - from flying around the streets of Bangkok in a Tuk Tuk late at night to trudging through snow in the mountains of New Zealand or simply having a quiet ale in a small 'pub' in Wales. As someone wise once said, 'Travel is life lived intensively'. A favourite memory though is having climbed a mountain with my then girlfriend, now wife, in Tasmania (southern state of Australia) - we were alone (no one for miles) and it was the most perfect day and we felt like Gods.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?


I agree with Rick that this is a great question. I think I have learned that the world truly is remarkable and wonderful in everyway - and that people generally have the same hopes, fears and dreams.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

Rick persuaded my wife to jump into a job in Asia and 5.5yrs later we are still here! So this has certainly been true for us - though not just a net, more like a ladder to bigger and better things. The experience has taught us to consider alternative possibilities for our lives which I think is healthy.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

Perhaps this is true but it is also life's diversity and multiple possibilities that enriches the experience. Also seems contrary to the renaissance notion of excelling across a range of arts, intellectual pursuits, sports and so on which I find appealing.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

Like Rick, I was also moved to tears by one of the best speeches I have ever heard. Full of history, graciousness and hope, I found myself choked up by the sheer emotion of what this moment in our collective consciousness means.

I don't know anyone in Singapore or Australia who wasn't hoping for an Obama victory. I think his victory has restored our faith in the promise of America and our sense of kinship with American people. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic but this may signal a new golden era in America's position in the World. I for one will go out of my way to buy American (equities included) as hope has replaced fear and it is clear that America is energised to face the significant challenges of this time - I think the rest of the World will also see this and begin re-investing in the US and its great promise. The power of this victory, is unlike any other - nothing can stop an America inspired by that creed 'Yes we can!'

RICK VON FELDT: Travel, Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

I consider myself a world traveler. When someone hears that I love to travel, that is always a question (along with “Where is the best place you have lived?”) that I am asked. I usually respond with a deep and heavy sigh. There are so many. I generally divide “great places that I have been” into two categories: 1. BREATHTAKING and 2. MOVE ME TO EMOTIOIN. This is similar to how I judge a good movie. Probably my most “breathtaking” place has been the Maldives. I have never seen a place that more represents heaven – with the most crystal clear water and beaches. And I have seen many. Of course, it helped when the experience was completely paid for by the company that I was working for. In the category of “move me to emotion” – it probably involves food in some way. It probably involves doing something native. For me, that is Japan. The culture – the food – the people take me away from what I know and provide me with a sensory overload of sight – sound – taste and culture. Even today, after having been there over a dozen times – I am still soulfully intoxicated when I go there. And because of those sensory items, I can remember so many details of every trip. My first trip to India, Bangkok, and Vietnam would come right in after that. I guess I still love – and miss Asia.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

Love the question. A couple of principles that work for me: 1). Focus on knowing the culture – not the language. It is the observation of a people that does more for you than mimicking the sound of a people. 2). We are all human – and generally want the same thing. Start with human motivation, and the rest is just a repeated habit. 3). Seek to understand rather than to be understood. 4). Taste everything. A food is human to all. And it is indicative to a person’s culture. 5). Try most things once – and get beyond judging things because of your own culture. 6). You will get robbed if you travel long enough. If not – you are not a real road warrior. 7). Every culture has it’s own version of a taco 8). Recognize that police in every country have different missions around the world – either to protect, enforce or to guide. Know the role in every country you visit for your own sake. 8). Write what you are experiencing, or you will forget and you will loose that moment when you get older 9). Everyone does not know why they are doing what they do. But discussing it creates a marvelous conversation. 10). Always be sure that you have something as interesting to come home to as you are experiencing out on the road. Otherwise, it causes great conflict. And lastly, 11). My favorite mantra: “Anticipation is fifty percent of the experience – so plan and do it carefully.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

Well – I can relate to that one. It is similar to my “you have to jump off the lily pad in the river and float downstream” analogy. I can honestly say that I have lived this all my life. And it creates an amazing pattern if you trust and follow it. If you stay on the banks of the river – you will never really know what wonderful adventures are downstream. But you have to jump in the water – and let it carry you.

I am not sure if there is a “net” per se – however – I think there are always better things down the river. You just have to jump. Sure – you get wet. You swallow a little water sometimes and choke. But there is always something more amazing down the river. But the key it so know when to jump (my believe is that if you are thinking about jumping – then it is time. But if you have not “learned 90% of what you came to learn” – then stay for a bit.

I jumped in the water six months ago – for my 12th time. I love it. The water is meandering right now – but soon – I know I will hit rapids. I love it.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

Simplify? Perhaps. For me – that is more about lessoning distractions so that I can focus on the most important things. But don’t take away all of my electronic “distractions.” I love them. Distraction for me is the larger risk these days than mediocrity.

However, this unknown man who is now known and will be our next president has caused me to think again. Here is a man who definitely has put it all out there – refusing to be mediocre. He is focused. And wow – look at what he has done. He is an example of human potential.

My largest fear for myself – and for everyone else in life is not understanding or going for their full potential. When I die – this is the only regret that would matter to me. So – I keep fighting for change and new things.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

It was just hours ago that I watched Obama named our new president. I cried with excitement. Not since Ronald Regan have I felt hope and potential. If McCain has been elected, I think it would have been ok. But I think we would have had just an “ok” next four years – similar to life for the last eight years. But this is something new. I am so proud to show to our international colleagues around the world true demonstrations of Democracy – and of this amazing belief we have in America that anything can happen. I love showing them the resilience of America – and the idea of “not betting against America.” Obama will be views equally well if not better than Clinton as a global, tolerant person. He looks, talks and acts the part. There is so much to say about this election. While watching the television tonight – I wrote pages and pages of thoughts.

TOP FIVE THOUGHTS from my journal tonight:

1. This was not a campaign. It was a moment.
2. There is a new role model for the 40% minority of America. This election will be viewed in history as one of the most memorable change we could ever imagine.
3. This is a passing from the old generation to the new generation. It is time to pass the batan. Our new generation does not see people as devise groups of color and gender –but as people who have potential. We will be INCLUSIVE versus EXCLUSIVE.
4. We chose hope over fear.
5. This changes everything. In so many ways. In so many ways!

And lastly – my favorite comment came when they interviewed black author Maya Angelo tonight. She said, “We have finally decided not to live with our ignorance.”

EXACTLY!

BIANCA REGINA: Travel, Work and Politcs

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

Being in Naples, Italy with the husband, eating pizza every day, drinking as much capuccino as we could, savouring street food, being outside - just trying to soak up all the simple, wonderful things about Italian life. Another favourite memory is being by myself on transatlantic flights. I really enjoyed being alone, and noticing that moment when time begins to drift, changing from one time zone and continent to another.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling – a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

Like Andreas: to take less. I once travelled in Mexico with my elder brother, me having already learned this lesson, him more and more annoyed with the weight of his backpack (and with watching me and my small, lightweight backpack) every day. In the end, he left a bunch of clothing behind in a hotel. Maybe some very tall Mexican is still wearing his clothes today.
Another lesson: to prepare. I love it when I have everything with me, down to the miniature bottle of my favourite conditioner, earplugs and a well-stocked MP3 player. It kind of contradicts the first lesson, so I would probably modify it to say that I think about not taking too much, but that I also take as many things as possible to treat myself well (even if three pairs of pants, four rings and four pairs of earrings aren't really necessary for a weekend, it's great to be able to choose).

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

I haven't jumped all that muchcareer-wise, in fact, parts of my career can accurately be described as stumbling. I like to think that I could jump if I had to, and that I would trust that a net would appear. Currently, I don't have to, so it doesn't really apply. I take risks in doing therapy and I try out new things, but that's walking or possibly skipping, not jumping.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

It does say something to me. Like I said, I try to get rid of stuff that's not good for me. I also only work four days a week - a luxury I can afford because my job is well paid, but also something I do to increase the quality of my work. Well, also to increase the amount of time I have to do fun things. I can live with being mediocre for part of the time too, otherwise, life just gets too exhausting for me.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)

Most Europeans support Barack Obama. The weekly newspaper I read does not even try to be objective in its coverage of the election, it has wholeheartedly embraced the Democratic candidate. It's only Sunday, but the husband and me have already talked about when results will be coming in. See from afar, the question associated with this election is whether the States will change or not. Me, I'd like to see change.

ANDREAS EKSTROM: Travel, Work and Politics

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?
Stepping out on a wintery Chicago Street a few years back, a mild evening, having a four hour layover, just hitting the town since I happen to know a great place for hot chocolate there. A wonderfully urban feeling. I also love a memory of visiting ”Bianca Regina” while she lived in London – a little over ten years ago, which, in itself, is a breathtaking thought.

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling – a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?
Travel light. Get rid of unnecessary baggage.

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?
That's all about trusting oneself. I could probably be better at that.

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?
A constant struggle for me.

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)
A big question. Mr Obama represents a more modern and international view of the world. That does give me some hope.

WEEK FIVE: Five questions on TRAVEL, WORK and POLITICS

Rather than focus on just one main subject area this week, I decided to have this set of questions be more of a variety pack. There are questions on travel, work and politics. Enjoy!

1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?

2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling - a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?

3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?

4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?

5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)