It just feels like the world has gone mad.  Is that, I wonder, because it has, or  because we have immediate access to information through technology?

As I write this, we are witnessing the aftermath of the Japan Tsunami.  I am sure I speak for all at Bales when I say our hearts and minds are very much with the families and friends that have lost their loved ones and for the huge devastation and tragedy that has happened. 

There are many, many tragic things around the globe, both politically and natural disasters, that are happening.  We should celebrate the fact that there are also many good things happening which get lost in the midst of bad news.  I profoundly believe that there is a far greater percentage of humans that are kind, good and honest.  This is borne out by the Japanese Ambassador saying that he was so proud of the way Japan was dealing with this in a quiet, calm way; no looting is happening and this has brought out how amazing the Japanese people are. 

Last week Charlie – our Commercial and Product Manager – and I went to a trade exhibition in Berlin.  Whilst we were there, we had the opportunity to meet the new Minister of Tourism for Egypt.  After our meeting, the Minister held a reception.  A wonderful video has been produced with comments from Egyptians and attendees from many other countries, all celebrating the liberation of Egypt.  The hall was full of people celebrating and dancing, holding flags up high.  It was a wonderful atmosphere and that, along with the video, would make anyone want to step on a plane to Egypt.

Charlie and I had meetings all day and were then invited to functions in the evening.  One function was held by Kempinski Hotels at their hotel – the Adlon Hotel – by Brandenburg Gate.  The hospitality was outstanding and reflected the high class style that you are greeted with whenever you walk into a Kempinski Hotel.  Many famous celebrities were guests there or performing, including JR Ewing!  Remember him? 

The next night we had to venture out for about an hour to the East.  We were late leaving the exhibition and the taxi queue was endless, with no signs of a taxi.  We chose to get a bus and went and stood, typically ‘Mandy style’, in the wrong queue. However, when enquiring to some friendly Germans what bus we should get, they offered us a lift! This was a journey of about an hour long!! Tom and Tomas – if you are reading this – thank you so much! Why did they take us?  Tomas had visited England 16 years ago and found the English to be very warm and welcoming, so it was a generous gesture to us as English people.   Tom runs a hotel called the Quality Hotel in Dresden – it looks fantastic – check it out http://www.qualityhotel-dresdenwest.de/

It was so good to meet so many of our business partners and hoteliers – all  of whom are working with us to make your holiday with Bales the best you have ever experienced – the ultimate holiday of a lifetime?

There are 26 different halls for different regions across the world and we must have walked through every one – a little like globe trotting on foot.  It certainly stimulates the wanderlust to travel to so many wonderful countries that Bales feature.

On a personal note – my venture to climb every mountain, run every marathon is in my head alone – as I simply drive past the gym and my training programme!!   My car just doesn’t seem to be motivated to drive into the gym… or is it the driver?

About Mandy Nickerson

Other articles by Mandy Nickerson

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. Mandy welcomes your feedback - please feel free to submit your thoughts, queries, comments and theories below.