7 days in London

Last night came back from London ~ still there actually with my mind :) It was a life-changing experience, and I thought if I don’t write something in somewhere NOW, it’ll vanish in my memory. Which is not bad, cuz it already changed me, but I wanted to reflect a bit :) How did it all start? Well actually I was flying with low-cost airlines first time in my life, and it was also 12 h flight, so it was kinda scary. Specially when I discovered nobody’s bag on the empty seat next to me (What if it’ll explode?? I’ll be the first one to die!!)On the way back my visa was not approved by British Staff and they count understand how do I travel with expired visa (it is not!!) But those are details….
So … 10 brilliant (well, very smart) minds got together for 5 days. I needed this experience a lot – I think I’ve felt aiesec I know and love again :) Synergy of the team was amazing – 10 people who challenge each other, who learn, who try to talk with intention, who stay up late having meaningful conversation, amazing diversity – more than half of people don’t live in their native countries now – different perspectives, but at the same time same passion, same appreciation, same fun :))) I was enjoying every second of it, was really happy! I love small “conferences” as you can meet people and get to know them well, not getting lost in 500-people-crowd.. Specially when people are so great and so open :) Sharing a lot about MC int’l experience was very nice – people who has been in MC once and now have another MC in another reality, I know sharing it is important :) I think I learnt from every individual there, which I have to thank a lot to all of you guys (if u happen to read it ;) Someof you really impacted me with your opinions and life stories… The meeting itself and its content made clear for me what is Talent Management, how different it is from HR Management, explore what are the parts of TM processes I am not clear about, see how it’ll look in next year with new IS…it is amazing, now I feel I know more:) Another thing that changed me was London itself. Free, friendly, smily, rainy, beautiful, honest, old and new..
Highlights:
- Tower, Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace etc in 12 years after last time seeing them… New look, New discovery of London for me!
- Tate – WOW! Museum of Modern Art – will tell you later more. Great!! Great learning!
- Friday night – everybody’s drunk on the streets of London, so beautifully freely having-fun drunk ;)
- Black Cab – 5 people with bags
- Dave’s place – his neighbor’s 500 DVD collection and music records (it was impressive, what an I say …)
- Spending the night in MC UK office on the floor ;))) Laura – honestly you’re the sweetest person, best MCP who takes care of random PDU people for sure! Really!
- Morning newspapers in the Tube – people read and pass it on to others, so sweet
- Being stuck in the Tube on wed morning cuz three lines were not in service “whatsoever”
- How many PDU members can you fit in the phone cabine??
- Morning Coffees with bagels…
- London is actually more expensive than Hong Kong!
- London in Fall is Beautiful!!!
And beautiful Unilever Four Acres venue!!!!
- Pool party
- Scary Coffee Machine!
- Wine-late-night talks near the fireplace
- Open Bar ;)
- Dinner with dishes we couldn’t pronounce properly
- Cheeseeeee!!! Normal Cheese!! (that’s after Hong Kong)
- Leaves around the house
Overall it was great refreshing experience of self discovery. And a lot of FUN!!!
Guys, my dear PDU team, if I say I love you – you have to believe me :)
(pictures sooon)