Ok, so we are now in Vietnam. It is extremely hot! Very humid an for most men this can be really annoying and uncomfortable.
Well you will be happy to know there is a solution to help you stay dry.
Balla Powder to the rescue! I have the tingle formula which is lime and mint and does provide some tingling sensation, but most importantly it leaves you feeling fresh and comfortable.
Well it’s been a quick 3 days in Bahrain and I am mostly ready to go home. I am extremely tired (jet lag) and will be happy in about 4 hours time when I am seated in seat to Milan via Frankfurt.
Before I had left Canada, I had applied of a visa online, it was rejected, but I read online that visas were available on site. On my arrival I went to purchase a visa and they sent me away into an area where there was about 11 caucasion men. Lol I am unsure, but it totally felt like racial profiling. I waited about 30 min and then they let me in. As for colleagues, some of them waited as long as 3.5 hours before they were allowed in. At the conference there was also several companies who didn’t get in or get their visas approved. What a pitty, people coming from around the world for a conference and the country doesn’t let them in. I guess the authorities are cracking down as many people are coming here to protest and be part of “demonstrations”.
Well happy I came again to the gulf business was fairly decent, Manama was interesting enough, but I do think maybe there are some more interesting places in the gulf.
I will start doing a weekly or bi-weekly column for a small community newspaper which I am very excited about! My column will be called “oh, the places you go”. I have been lucky enough to travel a lot and have learned a lot about how to find good travel deals, what to see and do as well as what to eat – there is a whole world of travel to explore. Everything from Hotels to Restaurants to Airplanes and Airports.
I have put my first column below which will be published next week – Enjoy!
Mk
Life is full of beautiful adventures and I have been able to experience my fair share! Over the past 9 years of doing International business and managing a global sales network, I have been lucky enough to travel to more than 44 countries or 17% of the world. I have been blessed to experience many cultures and see some amazing sights. Traveling more than 100,000 Miles each year does take its toll, but travel is my ultimate adventure in life. Travel does something amazing to people; it opens up your eyes, gives you a heart, helps you understand people and moves you to your inner-core.There are many things to consider when preparing for travel. Everything from where you book your flights and hotels to the ultimate decision of whether to do it yourself or to go through a travel agent. Yes, travel agents are not extinct and if you have a really good one, it could be worth your time. The world is a BIG place; there are so many places to visit, but at the same time it is so small. Did you know that within less than 12 hours time you could be in Europe or Asia? You can be almost anywhere in the world in less than 18 hours. (From Regina!) – 18 hours sounds like a long time, but after a few glasses of wine and a couple melatonin tablets, you are set and ready for your adventure.My next adventure will be this upcoming week, doing a quick stop in Frankfurt, Germany; followed by a few nights in Bahrain and then a few nights in Milan to eat some pasta…and then back home. Of course, there will be work involved but there is always great pleasure when exploring different unusual cultures and learning about the people. The one or two trips that I make to the Middle East each year are always the ones I look forward to most. The Arab culture is very mysterious to me and seems very much like Aladdin, taking you on a magic carpet ride. The Middle-Eastern culture is warm, friendly, kind and they really appreciate the fact that you have made and effort to visit their country.A couple years back, I visited Cairo and Alexandria to attend the Cairo Book Fair. I spent one of my free days visiting the Giza pyramids; which are astounding by the way! While I was there, I met a kid named Ebrahim who wanted me to come visit his cousin’s bazaar which was about a five minutes walk. It is quite common to be asked to come to people’s shops when traveling. But many times I am hesitant to go. This time, I had a good feeling and stopped to talk to him for a few minutes. While we were relaxing at his cousin’s shop and enjoying a cup of tea, I talked to him about his family, his life (he was currently on his way to join the military), culture and food. Food is always my favorite thing to explore when I travel! In many cases, food makes the country (we will explore that another week!) I asked Ebrahim about Camel and if they eat it? He said, “Yes, Absolutely!” Next thing I know he was on the phone with his mother and had invited me to his house for lunch. I kindly rejected, However, he convinced me to come. It was absolutely the most rewarding experience in terms of interacting with people of another culture. On the 10-15 minute journey to his house, it was apparent that we were not going for 5* dining, in fact, the adventure there included walking through what I thought was nearly a garbage dump. Arriving at their apartment, his family kindly welcomed and greeted us. They invited me into their living area where we sat on pillows and visited for a few minutes having tea. About 20 minutes later, his mother came with a huge silver platter of Camel Stew, rice and a tomato dish. To date, it has been one of the most delicious, memorable, heartfelt and unique dining experiences I have ever had.Every time I hear the media trash-talk the mid-east region, it makes me feel disappointed. If only they could personally experience the culture and the people, they would never say such. Most countries, except a few, are extremely safe (in fact, more safe than many of our Canadian cities). Take a chance and be different; jump into the unknown; have faith and trust others. Next time you want a real adventure and something magical, consider the mid-east or gulf region, you will not be disappointed – Places like Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman and UAE will give you luxury and adventure! Don’t forget, having an open heart and an open mind will take you far in life – oh, the places you’ll go
I am having an extremely hard time trying to adjust to the time-zone here in Muscat, Oman. Last night I had gotten to bed at 9:30 after nearly falling asleep eating my dinner. I was having an ok sleep (woke up only a few times…) I then got woken up at 5am actually 507am to be precise…The Mosque was having its morning prayer (wake-up call!)
In all honesty it is really amazing and a beautiful thing to hear the sounds of their prayers from the mosque throughout the city. Although, as a westerner we are not used to this, so it seems really strange to wake up to these sounds. They do this five times a day. But at 5am, I wish they could turn the speakers down a little bit, because I really needed a good sleep last night and didnt get it. I got woken up and unfortunately did not make it back to sleep.
I have included two video clips from my hotel room which have the sounds of the prayers in the background.
Enjoy!
Mk
I am starting to get excited about leaving tomorrow to Muscat, Oman where I will spend a few days doing business there. I have been to the region a few times before, but before traveling to a destination, I should refresh myself to be culturally sensitive and to be aware of how I present myself.
There are a few things I should remind myself before leaving!
1. When being introduced to people it is usually OK to shake the mans hand but you should always wait to see if a hand is extended from the woman to shake your hand. – When shaking the hand, don’t be surprised if it is a long shake and you feel like your arm is going to fall off! This is friendly etiquette.
2. It is somewhat rude to have extended eye contact with woman.
3. If you see two men holding hands, it does not mean anything nor hold any connotations. In the culture it is OK for two men to hold hands and show their friendship. -
4. Prayer time – Muslims pray five times per day. Be understanding, be patient and most of all be considerate of their beliefs and rituals. – Sometimes you may also be invited to go with them and observe. This is a great opportunity to learn and understand them as people.
5. What time is it? – Unlike business in the west, I have found that sometimes they are not the best clock watchers – if you have a meeting at 9am, your meeting might not be until 3pm. I know at home, when we say 9am, we mean 9am. So it requires patience and understanding, you will get done what you need to get done…even if it takes some extra time!
6. Business revolves around relationships. Do they trust you, who do you know that they know, honor. – When I am there, I try to build a connection and show people who I am. I display trust, honesty and integrity. I believe being upfront, honest and open is of utmost importance.
7. Accommodate – If you need to accommodate a situation, whether it be payment terms or changing something up for them. They usually will not forget and when you need something in return they will gladly do it for you.
8. Negotiating – Arabs were originally traders, therefore they are extremely good at negotiating! Be friendly, be honest and do what you can do but be sure you always build a win-win situation for all parties involved!
9. Pressure – Do not put high pressure on parties, relax take your time and find a good mutual balance.
10. Patience, patience, patience – Decisions and sales move slow. There seems to be a lot of bureaucracy which seems to make everything seem like its taking forever!
11. Honesty, Your word is not forgotten – If you say something, be sure to follow through on it. – Your word is as good or better than a written contract.
Most of these things are very standard things to know when doing business, but there are a few things that are emphasized more in the Arab culture. Some things are done slightly different. So when there it is extremely important to be accept, understand and be extremely patient.
The Arab culture is extremely wonderful and I am very much looking forward to learning more about their culture and values as a whole.
Mk
Ps. If you have any tips, suggestions or if something should be added please let me know!
O’Man, I am going to Oman! I have plans to leave on Friday for Muscat, Oman where I will be speaking at a library conference on digital newspapers as well as plan to exhibit and promote our company. I have been to the Middle East a few times now and know that the people there are wonderful, caring and the region generally feels quite safe to me. As we have seen the news over the past month the region is clearly unstable…looking at Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and now Oman. Starting last week there have been some protests in Oman with several people killed from my understanding.
As, I want to be a cautious, safe and smart traveler. I have emailed my associates in Oman asking about the situation and have been clearly told “The situation in Oman is stable, news and media always make a big exaggeration for the situation in the Gulf Region, protest can happen in Canada & USA, but the life, business and everything is running normally”. Another associate said “The situation is stable and we do not feel any difference in daily life, don’t worry and welcome to Oman!”
There was also an article in Google news today that says “Business as usual in Oman“
So there you have it, Oman is as safe is it will ever be. I am looking forward to doing business with my Middle Eastern partners and meeting new partners and clients. I have lots of respect for the culture and the people and enjoy my time with them.
Looking forward to a successful and safe business trip and of course experiencing some of the beautiful Arab Culture
Mk
So with all the turmoil in Egypt lately, I decided to take a quick look at my pictures from Egypt. Two years ago in February 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Egypt for a little over a week to visit some business partners, clients and also to attend the Cairo book fair. I remember arriving and thinking…God, this is such a mad house! The people crossing the streets was like playing a game of frogger with your life. Take a couple steps into the road, hold your breath and hope to God that nobody takes you out! Egypt was one of those places where I have learned a very learned to let go when traveling and to trust people…I know it sounds crazy since we are not supposed to trust anybody…but hey…what the heck being adventurous and exploring is learning about the people and trusting people who say they want to help you are sincere… Let me tell you about it! I got three stories for you!
1. Cairo Museum – I went to visit the Cairo Museum, some old man came up to me and told me he was a professor at a University and that he could guide me around the museum for about $7, I think tour guides go for around $20 if I am not mistaken…in any case I was hesitant…I agreed. He took me through the museum and we made our way through it in good time without wasting too much of the day, we saw all needed to see including some mummy’s, etc. There clearly were no picture spots, however he gave the guards candy and they told me I could take pictures…lol quite funny! – Anyways, it was a great experience at the museum for what it was… *Note: If you do visit the Cairo Museum, do not expect too much – for being a world known museum, I thought for the most part the layout, signage, etc. was pretty lousy – I heard they were re-making the museum, I hope it will be as amazing as the artifacts.
2. Walking around – I was walking around and hoping to find a taxi for a tour of the city – Some guy came up to me and told me he would give me a full city tour for about $15. – We hopped in his unmarked car and he took me all around town, near the pyramids, to the city of the dead, and to a bunch of other places which I can not recall the names but have pictures! I distinctly remember thinking to myself what the heck am I doing, getting into a strangers vehicle in Egypt and letting him tour me around town…who knows he could have taken me around the corner and robbed me, let alone kill me! Clearly that did not happen, so I was blessed to have a positive experience and see some of the local sights!
3. Making friends at the Pyramid – This was a strange experience, non-the less it was one and remains as one of my best travel experiences ever! I am walking around the pyramids and some guy comes to me and says come see my cousins bazaar…I was very hesitant and was like no no no, its my last day and I am leaving home tonight. So really I have no time, I cracked and went…in any case there was nothing that I liked, however while I was there they invited me for some tea and we sat and visited for about 15 minutes or so, I then asked them a very random question about Camel – do you guys eat camel? They told me they did…next thing I know Ebrahim was on the phone with his mom and invited me to his house for Camel Stew! Seriously!!! Ok, so I told him I could not go, I am short on time and really got to be heading, again I cracked. He told me he lived extremely close to where we were and that I would have enough time. So I went with the guy and we walked for about five minutes into really slummy dodgy area…we then got into this minivan sort of thing that had about 8-10 arab ladies in it and took off down the street for about five minutes. We stopped and got out and then walked down this covered alley and into the door – sure enough, Momma I’m home, this is my new friend from Canada! – He then continued to introduce me to his family (Mom, Dad, Sister, Auntie, Niece and Brother. They were all so kind and giving…so giving that they told me I could marry their Daughter (Aya), I thought that was funny because my girlfriend/fiance’s name is Aya.
The food we were served was delicious! it was a Camel Stew with tomatoes and served with Rice on the side. We sat on the floor and they served it to us on a huge silver platter. I know they probably do not have much, but they gave me what they could and made me feel welcome.
To me experiences like the ones I have had are what make life special and amazing! I will always have very fond memories of Egypt and hope one day I will be able to go back and experience the culture and enjoy the wonderful people who make up the country.
