Preparing for Mexico.....

For the second trip in a row, I've broken my "no repeat trips" vow. I'm preparing to head back to Guanajuato, Mexico. The reasons for this are many- I found Guanajuato to be a quaint place to study Spanish, it is easy to get around this colonial city and last and probably most important- I've developed a great working relationship with my Spanish tutor who is based there.

This trip promises to be a bit different than my other travel experiences as I am combining my language learning with a week filled with "Latin dance". If learning a language is insight into the culture, then learning the local dances has to be the window to the soul. My Spanish tutor assures me that I'll be able to keep up with with my Mexican dance instructors. On the other hand, my American dance instructors seem to be a bit worried. I guess we will see which set of teachers knows best!

The importance of being prepared

I have been reflecting on my trip as it is now drawing to a close. The one thing that I have learned is that it pays to be prepared. This trip I have found myself in quite a few strange situations and being mentally prepared for whatever may come along has helped me. Not only that, but having extra gourmet chocolates and "Chicago" branded merchandise scored big points at the second home stay.

Again, the moral of the story particularly in doing business abroad- expect the unexpected.

North and South

There are certain things that seem to be true in whatever part of the world one lives. In this case, I am talking about the difference between North and South.

Yesterday, I arrived in Rome and it was clear that the people were much more hospitable. What was also clear is that I had no idea what type of Italian they were speaking! It seemed to me to be a cross between Italian, French, Portuguese- a whole lot of mush mosh.

I reflected on the U.S. and how people may draw the same parallel. Although I am a huge fan of the Northeast, I can see how non-native speakers of English may be intimidated by a New York shop keeper asking "Whaddya want!" and then saying "fur get about it"!

Again, I go back to a song I seem to keep singing again and again. In every part of the world, we have much in common. We need to find ways to work together instead of ways to be at odds with one another.

The importance of food....

It is no secret that food is a central part of the Italian culture. I had the great pleasure to experience this first-hand over the last week.

My second host family made sure I had a good taste of a variety of Italian specialties. It was during this time of breaking bread that I was able to have in-depth conversations with my host family. Through these conversations, I learned a great deal more about the Italian culture.

Last night, I experienced the "slow food" movement in the Piedmonte region. The B & B that I am staying at, Villa Favolosa, recommended that I tried slow food. Slow food was developed as a way to counter-balance the influx of fast food restaurants that came to Italy some years ago. I have to admit that taking time to eat and talk is something that I don't do enough of.

Based on my experience here, I think I will have to take more time to stop and smell the pasta.

Ciao Milan

Last night in Milan. It has been an interesting two weeks. If I had one "ah-ha" moment it would be one can not stereotype. While my general impression of Italians is warm, passionate and engaging, I have also seen the opposite. People are people, they don't come in boxes so we shouldn't label them.

True enough, there are reasons for stereotypes but I believe it is very important, especially in business, to get to know the person on an individual basis. After all, if there is one thing that we have in common it is that we want to do business with people that we like.

Che cose

After being in Italy for two weeks, I have noticed:
1. There are an awful lot of tatoos on men and women here
2. Despite being in the Pope's backyard, people seem to be more interested in astrology than the Catholic church
3. There is no such thing as a good sale
4. Many people still don't practice good hygiene
5. Even though it is near 80 degrees, the Milanese dress like it is 60- what happened to being warm-blooded?

A visual is worth a 1,000 words

Today's post is short and simple-

On my way to work today, I noticed that the line for the U.S. Consulate was around the block. At the French consulate which is across the road- there was not a soul to be found. 

Memorial day

Once again I am traveling on a national holiday and once again I am reminded of how much I love my country. Interestingly enough, the place I am staying is located right down the street from the U.S. consulate. The first time I walked by, I had no idea it was the consulate. I noticed to heavily armed Italian military guards and then saw the American flag.  When I saw the flag, I immediately had that sense of pride. 

Today, on Memorial day, I reflect on all those that have given their lives for freedom- for the U.S. and those in other countries. I will forever be grateful to them. God Bless the USA! 

Lago Maggiore

How fitting that one of the most beautiful places on earth is situated in a city called "stresa". To me, this is one of the greatest Italian jokes. Lago Maggiore is absolutely breath-taking. If anyone leaves there with "stresa", they definitely need to have their head examined. This day trip was just what the doctor ordered after such a hectic first week in Milan.

Lago Maggiore hosts the Isloe di Borromeo or as it was known in Heminway's Farwell To Arms, Iles de Borromees. Makes me want to good back and re-read that classic!

Positive image restored

Over the last couple of days, I have had the good fortune to encounter several accomodating Italians. There was the taxi driver who chatted my ear off about how much he loves Chicago and Milwaukee and a very nice man who as he was exiting the train told me that "this train ends in Bergamo" in his best broken English. He made sure to tell me this as I thought I had accidently boarded the train to Porta Susa-Torino. Finally, there is my new host family. They were horrified at the thought that someone would actually host a traveler and not have toliet paper, soap or enough to eat.

So, the bottom line here is that my positive image of Italians and their hospitality has been renewed. It is amazing how one or two bad incidents can cause you to doubt.

Day after the night before

It is now the day after the night before.....what does that mean- well, when I got home last night my lovely host decided to turn off my overhead light. Not only that, she closed the shutters that covered the door so I couldn't see a thing. It felt like something out of a stereotypical Italian movie. 

In any case, I am out of there. So, what did I learn about this adventure-I was reminded that people are individuals and not stereotypes- good or bad. This, to me, is a very valuable lesson. Often times, especially in global business, we are quick to stereotype one nationality or another. While it is important to understand certain tendencies, one should look at every situation as a unique opportunity. 

Biases

It is a good thing that I am intimately familiar with Italian culture and customs or I'd be ready to quit. The woman that I am staying with told me the only reason she is a host mom is for the money. I couldn't believe it. Well, now I do. Yesterday I found out that it is my responsibility to buy toliet paper! I was furious. It is good that I have been exposed to many generous Italians in my lifetime. As a matter of fact, this is the favorable stereotype that I have. I guess it goes to show that there are all different types of people in all ethnicties.

Media bias or selective understanding

Unless one has been living under a rock these days, everyone is aware of the global economic crisis. It has been interesting to chat with Italians to see if they are worried about the state of their economy. When I ask them 'are you worried that Italy will follow Greece and Spain?' they tell me that there is no problem because most Italians still take vacations. What?!!! Have they not heard of the PIIGS- Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain- the four countries whose economies are in the most danger of collapsing! 

At this point, I am not sure if it is media bias or plain ignorance. I plan on exploring this further by talking to more people and reading the papers. 

Different place, same story

So....stop me if you've heard this before....the connection to the Internet stinks! And....nothing works the way it should! It is so frustrating. For example, on the keyboard if you want to make a question mark you need to make an comma you simply push the dash. Now, I would make a dash but I can't figure out exactly where it is on the keyboard. 

Also, the connection to the Internet from my laptop is non-existent.  Actually, just found the dash as I tried to make the question mark!!! Talk about frustrating. 

So, what is the moral of the story here? Technology in other parts of the world isn't the same. Or perhaps, in other parts of the world it isn't as important? In any case, I seem to be the only one frustrated by this so it has to be me!

First things first....

My trip to Europe was very pleasant as I was unexpectedly upgraded to business class :)

My host mom was a bit stand-offish at first but as time went on, we struck up a conversation and she talked my ear off.

This morning I had the adventure of trying to navigate the bathroom-
- where is the toilet paper
- the towels
- trash can
-why won't my plug stay in the wall?

Coming to school I had the joy of being ripped off by the metro machine. Got into a fight- in Italian- with the guy who sold me the ticket. So, all in all I'd say I'm adjusting to life in Italy.

Ready for a little R & R...

I'm off for my first of two international learning experiences this summer. It will be interesting to see how my Italian lessons for the last few years have paid off. My guess is that I'll be in a low-intermediate class.

It should be an interesting few weeks as I start in Milan, head down to Turin for a few days, down to Florence and then to Rome. I really am ready to experience "La Dolce Vita".

Ciao

Guanajuato, Mexico

Enjoy the sights from Guanajuato, Mexico

Water and other important matters...

My quick trip to Mexico is now complete. It was an interesting, energizing and at times, depressing week.

Here are a few items that I thought were worth mentioning:

1. Not even Mexicans drink their water- everyone gets 4 -5 large multi-gallon water bottles delivered a few times a week. AND, it's not just that the water isn't "drinkable" it's not all that plentiful. Showers are a trickle, toliets are flushed "judiciously". Any company looking to do business in Mexico needs to understand this.

2.Education-as I suspected most Mexicans have somewhere between a Primary and High School education.

3. Baseball seems to be as popular as soccer- "football"- at least in the city I was in

El dia de los reyes

I had the good fortune to be in Mexico for a holiday- "el dia de los reyes". The tradition is that "los reyes" leave treats for the children in their shoes under the Christmas tree. The day is to commemorate when the Three Kings found Jesus in the manager.

Children here have the good fortune of receiving gifts twice in two weeks. Once on Christmas and then again on January 6th. Since many families are do not have much money, the gifts are small but are very much appreciated by the children. It was fun to see the excitement when the little ones found their shoes stuffed with candy.

I was also lucky, as I also received "treats" in my shoe :) I will post a photo later.

All in all, I was glad to have the opportunity to participate in this important holiday. I now have a greater appreciation for "el dia de los reyes".

Mismo cuento, pais diferente

How many times have we said in business "it's all about the relationship in business"? Nothing could be more true in Latin America especially in Mexico.

Today I had a director at the language school I'm attending approach me about potential partnerships for teaching students about the language, culture and business.

It's important for U.S. business people to understand that it takes time to build relationships but once those relationships have been solidified, it can be a very powerful thing.

We saw similar things when we were in Brazil. Everyone told us, "come, listen, understand and be successful".

I'm looking forward to working with this director and his staff to put together programs to help students become better global business people.

"la clave" go with the flow

In global business, we are always talking about "going with the flow". Good advice to be sure especially when something major happens. Imagine sitting with your 'host family' having dessert when suddenly you discover you're at the wrong house! Now, before anyone says "that dippy professor", this was not my fault. It was the driver who picked me up from the airport.

The most comical part of this was that I just presented the family with the "world famous" Fannie May Pixies and Meltaways. When I thought I was going to have to leave I thought "now, what, I have nothing to give the other family".

As with most things, it all worked out and I am going to stay with my family. They are very attentive and keep me talking!

Mexico, me voy!

As crazy as this may sound, I have really not spent any time in Mexico! I've been all over the world and have only been to the touristy areas of our neighbor to the south.

I'm off to Guanajuato for a week of "immersion". I'm hoping to polish my Spanish a bit more and to learn more about Mexico, its people and the culture.

Stay tuned....