I’ve had a very exciting couple of weeks. Jordan Tourist Office had a military band playing at the Edinburgh Tattoo and so they invited a mix of travel industry and press to join them. I have been to the Tattoo before and think it is a spectacular show. When the Jordan military performed in front of the castle the back drop was changed to Petra and it was stunning. It made me very patriotic – not just about Britain but about every nation that performed. If you go, take warm clothes with you – it does get cold.
We were very privileged to be invited to a reception hosted by the Mayor of Edinburgh where the principal guests were the King and Queen of Jordan. The King came over to meet our party and was absolutely charming – really engaging in conversation. Unfortunately for me who usually has something to say, I became very tongue tied and when he asked some of us when we had last visited Jordan I couldn’t speak!! Yes I know what some of you may be saying – found the trick for me to be silent!!!
Saved by the bell by a really top class entertaining and well known travel writer who had prepped up and knew His Majesty liked bikes and particularly Harley Davidson’s. She regaled her experience of travelling around Ayers Rock and asked if he would be interested to ride around Jordan with her for a piece for a national publication. His Majesty even started talking about where they would bike so who knows it may happen!!!
The night was young when we arrived back at our hotel at 12.30 and having lost my voice I suddenly found I had a lot to say so it was at sunrise that some of us actually departed for bed – only to get up an hour later to meet for breakfast. Having had such a wonderful evening the tiredness doesn’t hit you as the adrenalin keeps you going.
It was unusual to be invited to something like this but it really worked – we are all thinking about Jordan and how we can grow our business to this fascinating and historic country.
It is very difficult to safely feel you can entertain ‘outside’ in this country but I did on Sunday as my New Zealand cousins were over. As soon as they arrived we went outside and it bucketed down! Being absolutely determined that I was going to show off my barbeque skills I stuck to it – looking like, well you know, not at all glamorous (Did I ever?). Some of the guests stayed out with me but they too got drenched and eventually we all had to give up and go inside but not until I had finished cooking! So lovely to catch up with family and learn all about their travel adventures in Mongolia – a place that is definitely on my top ten list.
Every one at Bales is I am very proud to say, working really hard – but I do have to put a stop to it for some of them. If I get into work at 7 – I never have to open the door as there are always some people in – some burn the candle at the other end and work late into the night. I do not endorse continual long hours but there are times when there are deadlines to meet and it is necessary. I want to publically say thank you to everyone for the commitment they put in to ensure we produce and deliver the right products and service to you.
Oh and to finish. Finally – I have committed to a three month programme of intense training (a walk in the park for most of you) with a Personal Trainer. This means our trek and water rafting trip to Nepal will be fun and not endurance. I’m now into my second week and I attended 4 times last week and I am committed to keep it up.
Speak soon
Mandy
About Mandy Nickerson
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Mandy endeavours to share her travel experiences (where she will 'tell it like it is') and also detail the latest exciting projects that she is involved in.
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