"And away we go"

So I'm packing- in advance this time- going to be gone for 28 days! That's right- almost a month! I found out today the the new market launch in Turkey has been delayed a week due to construction, but I still have to be in market to deliver training and help with the things that I was going to delegate due to me being on Holiday. So now everyone is much happier- 2 weeks in the states, 2 weeks in Istanbul.
I leave tomorrow mornign at 8:30am Dubai time, and will get into Columbus at 8:30pm EST. But that ends up being exactly 24 hrs of time!!!!!!!!! UGH! The 16 hrs of flying the 8hr time change- 24hrs. That I am not looking forward too. Luckily I'm flying the Emirates A380 so I'll have my own cabin where I can sleep for a good 8 hrs without being disturbed. Got my Tylenol PM all ready, and did my spreadsheet on when I should be sleep, awake, sleeping, awake so that I can get on the EST time schedule as soon as possible. I have my driver arraigned for tomorrow morning, turned in my car this evening so that I don't have to worry about that tomorrow morning, and ensured I had time to do a little shopping so that I'll have something to bring back to the states to show I live in Dubai :-).
I had a great touchbase today with my boss, kindofa "5 months in- how you doin?" touchbase. I know my company is developing budgets for next year, and we are expanding three fold next year- so part of it was "how you doin now?" "What you wanna be doing then" kindofa touchbase. I had been doing some reflection on what this experience has been, how I've grown as a leader, and a person, and I do have some thoughts on where I want to be in six months.
Overall- I walked away from the meeting with an A on my report card. It was very nice to hear as I'm walking away from the market for a month. To hear that I'm doing a good job, the partners all like me, the stores like me, and I'm delivering what my company wants is all good news.
This whole week was crazy hectic. Kuwait the first part of the week, then we had the US merchandising team in Wed and today. It seems like the weeks I actually have to get things done are the weeks that are horribly overscheduled. Of course with that, I don't sleep as much, and eat out every meal and then comes the "Am I getting sick" moment where I barter with myself "If I give you Tylenol Sinus and get sleep on the plan and don't get drunk on champange in the lounge you'll not get sick- Deal?" So hopefully that works because the worst thing ever would be to get sick on the time that I'm visiting!
So 12 hrs from now, I'll be on the plan settling in. Can't wait.
"And away we go..."
I am so looking forward to being back in the US for a bit. I miss you!

"That really just happened"

Met up with the Exec team at Diera Mall this morning for a day of visits all over the UAE. As we approached the gate to the store it was open about three feet, and everyone I was with was like 5'6-9" so they all scurried under and I was like.... "umm...." well I wasn't going to have the store manager come over and open up the gate JUST for me, so I was like - I can do this. As I got just under the gate thinking I was going to embarrass myself and fall over- end up rolling into the store- an even more UN-IMAGINEABLE thing happened- my pants exploded! LOL It was so loud too they thought I had caught myself on the gate or something- myself, I thought I had been shot- one of those- I know something just happened but I don't know what and I was kinda disoriented by it! (laughing out loud as I write this because it was just so hilarious). Standing up I felt the very open-ness of the back of my suit, and yes. It happened. So the store manager had started talking to the team and I whispered to my boss- I just split open my pants which he looked at me and I turned around and he lost it. Thank god I had on black underwear today not a camoflouge or red pair! Then everyone had to see it- yep- those seams were under some big pressure- it split all the way up- the only thing keeping the top together was the fact I had on a belt!
So we carried on the visit, and as we still had 6 stores to visit today and it was 9:10am, I went to Zara on the way out of the mall to get some new pants, thank goodness they had my size and the color, so I carried on.
"Yes, this really just happened"

Kuwait; but a new experience!

I think someone from Starwoods Preferred Guests has been reading my blog and maybe they say that I dissed the Kuwait Sheraton last time I was here, because let me tell you- I am not in Kansas anymore!.... Kuwait Anymore.
My travel assistant booked my trip this week as normal, I go out from their airport to my get into the car- it's not the black chevy tahoe- It's a black Mercedes 6 series? I was like "I'm not paying for this! And they guy goes- it's complementary" with a puzzled look on his face. So I get in, and just to make sure- "You're going to the Sheraton right?" He says yes and away we go. I go in the same lobby entrance as always, through the metal detectors, and they go "oh- I'm sorry, you'll have to check in next door which I was like "What? I have to stay at the four points?" Not that it's bad, but for the rate we pay- it's not appropriate. "No- you're staying next door..." As I'm walking around the corner the tile turns into marble, the marble turns in to mosaics, the mosaics turn into gold cherubs playing violins and and flying behind me with my suitcases..- Ok- so that didn't happen, but seriously It is a St.Regis! Holy Lord- and it was right around the corner from the Sheraton this whole time--- and for the Same Flipping rate!!! AH! Pinch me! I am sitting here in the office part of my room at a gold claw foot chipndale desk and the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in and I can not believe I'm 200 feet from the Sheraton!
So if the Starwoods people have been reading my blog- Thank You. I LOVE THE ST.REGIS! And I have a whole new respect for Kuwait and will have NO problem coming back here whenever needed :-)

Amazing Dinner

Last night was "Saturday Night" here and I went to dinner at Buddha Bar at Grovesnor House. It was unreal! First off- the pictures above are from the web because it is far to chic of a place to be bringing in my camera and snapping pictures- plus it is super dark in there at night so I can't imagine they'd turn out if I did.
When you pull up to the place it's all roped off with security out front, and they have to check you off before they open the ropes, then the security open the door for you where you are greeted with a Host in a suit and earpeice who escorts you to your area! It was so crazy and amazing and I felt like a SuperVIP. It was great.
We sat right up against the huge window looking out into the marina with all the boats passing by, and great views of the bar and restaurant. The wine list was comical- I have never seen bottles of wine for six figures ever on a menu- and most of the wines were four figures!! So we did martini's which were still socially acceptable.
Food was as to be expected to match all this hoopla. Portions were good size, cooked perfectly, dessert was amazing, and the entire night they had an amazing DJ curating the music up untill 11pm when it turned into a nightclub and he began "spinning" out techno and trance music. At that point the place was so unbelievably crowded- both floors, and it was sweet. So if any of you come over to Dubai to visit I know where we can go- and who we need to have take us to get the good seats!!

One last post on my trip

I realized that I didn't post any pictures of the Dolmabachie Palace. It was right down from my hotel, on the main waterway. I went down there for lunch on my free day and then toured the palace. It was again- amazing. The architecture in many of the buildings was Indian influenced with the tall intricatly carved minerettes and gates. It also has the worlds largest chandelier collection. There were so many different types, and sizes it was crazy how much money they spent building this Palace. As much as we think Versaille when you think ornate palace- this one was a close second! My photos were too dark in the palace, but you can google it : Dolmabahce Palace.

Back to the real world...

Its lunch time and i'm sitting in a shady cafe on a side street in Istanbul. It is a gorgeous mediteranean day, cool breeze coming off the bosphorous strait, sunny but no humidty. Taxi cabs go by, horns honking in the distance, there are two stray dogs laying in the shade of a tree across the street. The rumbling of tires over the coblestone streets and a mix of music coming from the other cafes make this the perfect last morning here.
Last night was the fashion night out event at Istiniye Park. The malls had so many people all over the mall and outside spaces. Dj's were blasting music out of every other store, there were turkish celebrities in a few of the young stores which were creating a huge roar and massive crowds outside the stores. Our group had dinner at a rooftop cafe overlooking the park. It was great food, italian pastas which of couse were finished off with baklava and turkish tea. It was a great night, cool 70 degrees with a warm breeze.
This week was the perfect balance of work and business building, with fun and relaxation. Usually when I travel I am very detailed with all my expenses, counting every cab, every starbucks, but here it didn't seem as relevant. It had alot to do with the business partner here. Everyday we had a driver pick us up wherever we were going, even on our personal tour day, they had us set up. They also had fun event for us to do with them which was new to our business relationship. Other business partners just see you from 8-5 but here they were having dinner with us, taking us to other shopping areas in the city, showing us the nightlife. They did a super job of hosting us, and I know my experience of the city would have been much different had they not have been so great.

I am sad to be going back to dubai where it is still 110 and I am sure there are crazy things happening and I have a jet trip flying in for a visit sunday, but think it is good to be leaving on such high. Istnabul, highly recommend!

Bestikas Cadessi

Two streets over from where my hotel there is a "real" Turkish neighborhood. The city is very walkable, and I have been exploring many of the different areas. This is called the Bestikas Cadessi and has lots of cafe's, bakeries, shoe stores, knock-off stores, and liqour stores. No one speaks english, but I've still been able to get around, find stuff, pay with no problems. Turkish Lira has the exact same coinage and dollars as the US, and unlike the Gulf states, it is written in normal normals, not in Arabic, so no problems there. I've been trying to blend in and act like a normal, but being 6'4" in a country where the average height is 5'8"- it is pretty hard. Also- I haven't seen a bald person yet- so a dead give away that "one of these things doesn't belong" :-)

Blue Mosque

This is the Blue Mosque. It is right across the main gardens of the Hagia Sophia, only it was built by the OttomanTurk (Muslims) for the Muslims, and is still to this day used as a Mosque for the locals. Being that it is still used- if you want to enter the mosque you must remove your shoes. This is a HIGHLY touristy area and you think it's bad getting behind a group of old people at the airport security- well... there was a tour group in front of us and you guessed it- all elderly people. They were complaining up a storm about having to remove their shoes, then they weren't able to bend over to untie their shoes- the security guards were yelling at them in Turkish to remove their shoes, then some of the people were ignoring them and trying to just walk in- it was out of control! I had to take a picture to prove it, and the Picture of Matt and I you can see up holding plastic bags- that's what they give you so carry your shoes in.
The building was very beautiful as it was perfectly constructed and not altered or damaged like the Hagia Sophia, but it was almost "too" perfect- didn't really feel like an ancient building, but it was still amazing.

And Just so you know- I saw all these sights on the same day- so I haven't been wearing the same shirt the entire time I've been in Istanbul- Really :-)

Hagia Sohpia 2

More pictures of the Hagia Sophia. This building has so much history that I really can't describe it all here. It has two floors that create a balcony around the perimeter, it was used and built by Christians in 400's, then converted to be used by the orthodox Christians, then converted to be used by the Turkish Otttoman Empire who were Muslims. Much of what we saw in Turkey the next two days was around all three religions which was so surprising! You have all the pre-christian Roman architecture, then Christian, Greek, and Ottoman. It created a hybrid of architecture and culture. Breathtaking in un-imaginable ways!

Hagia Sophia

I went to the Hagia Sophia my second day here. It was better than you could imagine. The size of the building; standing outside looking at it; actually being inside of the building and seeing the historic gold mosaics; it was almost like a dream. It was so much that I couldn't even conceptually, or consciously be present when I was in the building- when I look back at the pictures I keep saying to myself "really?" I am just in disbelief that I got to see this!

Istanbul Day1 cont.

These are pictures from one of the bridges near what is "old town" which was the real Constantinople. Amazing views- the city is so big and rich in architecture- so many mosques' and churches everywhere too!

Istanbul Day1

This morning I got up and dressed and strolled the neighborhood around the hotel. Great weather and not too busy as this really is their Sunday- like the Western world, so it quiet. Pictures are of one of the many street side bakeries in the area, the tree-lined street is where one of the palaces is, and the other two pictures are of the W and the neighborhood of the W.

Istanbul!!!!!!

O. M. G. So much!
First off I was amazed to see hills and mountains and red roofs! It's a true European ancient city and it is gorgeous! As I was riding from the airport to the hotel I was taking it all in- and I had a lot of time to that because traffic was so bad it took an hour and 20 minutes to get to the hotel! The driver said it was actually moving quickly- that it usually takes 3 hrs to get from the Airport to the business district during rush hour! I had heard this from the business partner when I took them out to dinner in Columbus- so have to believe seeing how bad traffic was tonight.
My hotel is right off the Bosphorous Strait- the main waterway that separates Asia from Europe and it is Beautiful! I will add pictures tomorrow night the neighborhood. It is all renovated but still very old world with the narrow streets and all cafe's and the uplite buildings, and the trees.... oh it is so gorgeous!
The weather is amazing as well- 78 degrees right now with a cool breeze off the water- that alone made me fall in love with this city!
I went out for a walk in the neighborhood to get water and diet coke and much to my surprise- I forgot you could buy beer here! So of course I had to grab a few Stella's for only L7- only around $2.50 American each! Could this city get any better!!! Ok- I need to simmer down using the exclamation points here- can you tell I'm happy?

The hotel is unique as are all W's. They are meant to be chic- but in a transient local kitsch way. Hence the Red accents and look of an 80's trashy motel. It's the style of hotel that you pay big bucks to live like your homeless- for the experience. ? So.... I'm not really on board with it- I'm more traditional apparently, but the location is great and the bath products are from Bliss Spa- which are heavenly.

My biggest "ah ha" moment was how much I've been spoiled with English in my territory. Everywhere I go- they speak English- even in Kuwait and Riyadh. But here- Nien. My driver- the woman who checked me in- yes. The bus boy- no. The grocery store, the locals- no. I was shocked when I was at the grocery store trying to pay and she greeted me in Turkish and carried on a conversation with me with me nodding. Then when I went to pay- not knowing the conversion- was like "ahh..." and give her a 20 lira to cover it.
That was the other thing- I assumed they were on the Euro- so at the airport got Euro, and a some Lira- more for the "awkward moment where they don't take the Euro" and guess what- THEY ONLY USE LIRA! Ah! But my hotel Rate was in Euro... and when I went to get my visa they had the prices listed in Euro or American Dollars... so I just kinda mad that I paid the service fee to get Euro's and now will have to pay another fee to get Lira's. Ugh.

But back to the language thing- it makes it much more real. Dubai is such a "Disney Land" of the Middle East. Here- it's a real city- with locals- and they live in old buildings, and shop in the souks, and they really "live" here- which I have been missing out on while I'm living in Dubai. It showed me how spoiled I've been when I went to pay at the supermarket. To have that feeling where I'm not knowing what she is saying- not even knowing how to say "excuse me" is humbling. I didn't even look up how to say "hello" and "thank you" before I got here because I've been so Arabic- English focused and busy that it never crossed my mind. So tomorrow I'll be getting a city tour and asking the tour guide for small talk.
But I'm here, in Istanbul, and am so excited for the City tour tomorrow- the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Bosphourous, dinner with the Business directors, and 78 degrees with a cool breeze. And cheap beer! YAY!

What a week!

So this week has been crazy! Once we got past Eid I was able to travel again so headed to Riyadh on Sunday night. This trip was to close out the 2 US store managers we had working there since July. It was great to spend time with them and have them show me all that they did with the new stores and teams. Wednesday night we all flew back to Dubai so the US managers could see something other than desert, and relax and have some fun (and booze) after their two months in Saudi. Of course, that means I put on my "tour guide" hat, and so Thursday I took them to all the stores in Dubai, showed them the Ski Slope in the mall, the waterfall, the Aquarium, even took them out onto the palm so they could get pictures of the sea and the Atlantis Resort. Then the other US manager we have working in Kuwait flew in for her weekend of fun, and we all met up for a meeting and Dinner at the Dubai Mall. It was fun showing them around the city and taking them to see all the cool things that are here- makes me realize how lucky I am to be based out of this city.
I'm in the office today trying to catch up on expenses, print out tons of things for next week, and trying to catch up on emails- both work and personal: sorry for those of you I haven't emailed in weeks!
I leave for Istanbul tomorrow and AM SO EXCITED!!! When I got my email last week from the new Franchise group telling me the trip was a go I was ecstatic! I'll be having a city tour with the marketing manager from the US on Sunday, then Mon/Tues meetings, and to top the week off on Thursday night is "Fashion Night Out"! It is the event sponsored by Vogue magazine where they have a "call to shop" and everyone goes around and supports businesses and the malls are packed- and stores give away free things or discounts and our company is doing a huge testing event infront of our new store front which opens in October. Best of all- all hotels were booked because of this event so I have to stay at the W Istanbul! Woohoo! That is the most amazing hotel that W has (and all the other US people are at the Hilton) :-)

And yes, if you're wondering what that picture is- it really is a man in a Dishdasha riding a mechanical bull!! When we were at Dubai mall last night one of the big courts has this set up- hilarious! He did an amazing job and stayed on the bull the whole time! But I think falling off and having his robe up over is head would have been more embarrassing than anything- so he was clinging on for dear life! And of course I took the team to the fountains- if anything is more Dubai than the Burj Kahlifa, it's the fountains.
Check back soon to see pictures of Istanbul!!!!!

Taking the Metro

Traffic going to the malls and pretty much everywhere the past few days has been horrid due to everyone being off. Last night I went to go to the Dubai Mall for dinner and the traffic was so backed up I couldn't even get to the exit- Then I attempted to go to Mirdiff City Center and I "qued in the Carpark" as they say here for almost an hour trying to find a spot! So today I attempted other modes of transportation and tried the Metro. I have always seen it, but hadn't ventured on. It actually is very much like any metro- subways- or monorail, only it is immaculately clean, and very futuristic looking inside. The tracks are brand new and super smooth- you don't even know you're going 80mph as opposed to the subway in Chicago where you feeling like the train is going to rattle to pieces. It only cost 4AED to go from the station by my house to the Mall of Emirates, so about $1.25 Such a deal!