Tucked away in the south east of the
Baltic region, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is a little gem just waiting
to be explored. Sometimes a little rough around the edges, the city can be
excused for needing more time to re-establish itself. For the past 60 years
Lithuania, along with its Baltic friends Estonia and Latvia, have borne the
brunt of a bitter bloody violent pan-European struggle between the Soviet Union
from the east and ze Chermans from the west. However it is that very mix of
influence left behind from both directions that underscores the charm of this
lovely city and country.
Vilnius, Lithuania. Smiles and Raw Food
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. I didn't know this before Friday.
However I also can't be accused of the common mistake of saying that
Riga is the capital of Lithuania, because of course Riga is the capital
of Latvia. Whatever, i'm here and on my first wander around I have found
it to be a lovely little city.
Before take-off I read up on Wikitravel: http://wikitravel.org/en/
"Lithuanians may appear sad, depressive (suicide rates in Lithuania are among the highest in the world), a little bit rude and suspicious, so talking about your good health, wealth, and happiness could be sometimes taken negatively. Smile at a Lithuanian in the street and most likely they will not respond in kindness. Smiling in Lithuania is traditionally reserved for friends; smile at a stranger and they will either think you're making fun of them and there's something wrong with their clothes or hairdo, or that you must be an idiot. Furthermore, an automatic Western smile is widely regarded as insincere. "
So, plenty of Lithuanians must think i'm an idiot. The problem is now every time I pass someone in the corridor or in the street I want to smile at them. This only means I bail out at the last minute and give a half-assed face scrunch. Yep, a real idiot.
I did try and stare down some people. This worked really well. I got 'stared down' back and felt I had connected. When in rome....as they say.
Of all the Lithuanians I have interacted with, whether that be working with them or a waitress at a restaurant or a cab driver, I can say (admittedly on a small sample size) that they are lovely people with very warm smiles. And this is important.
I just had dinner at a place called RawRaw. The food was....yep...raw. Which would be fine because I love steak tartar, except it was vegetarian. Which is also fine because they did some amazing things with veges and nuts and berries. Beetroot ravioli with cheese filling - where the beetroot was sliced to make the top and bottom of the ravioli and in between the cheese filling was not cheese but rather a cashew paste. Dessert was titled parfait. And being a parfait fan I was attracted to it immediately by name. This version was not brutally chocolatey nor flammable nor bad for my health. It was indeed a mousse of pumpkin, raisins, and orange covered with a cranberry mash topped with crushed cashews, haselnuts and almonds. And it was delicious.
Before take-off I read up on Wikitravel: http://wikitravel.org/en/
"Lithuanians may appear sad, depressive (suicide rates in Lithuania are among the highest in the world), a little bit rude and suspicious, so talking about your good health, wealth, and happiness could be sometimes taken negatively. Smile at a Lithuanian in the street and most likely they will not respond in kindness. Smiling in Lithuania is traditionally reserved for friends; smile at a stranger and they will either think you're making fun of them and there's something wrong with their clothes or hairdo, or that you must be an idiot. Furthermore, an automatic Western smile is widely regarded as insincere. "
So, plenty of Lithuanians must think i'm an idiot. The problem is now every time I pass someone in the corridor or in the street I want to smile at them. This only means I bail out at the last minute and give a half-assed face scrunch. Yep, a real idiot.
I did try and stare down some people. This worked really well. I got 'stared down' back and felt I had connected. When in rome....as they say.
Of all the Lithuanians I have interacted with, whether that be working with them or a waitress at a restaurant or a cab driver, I can say (admittedly on a small sample size) that they are lovely people with very warm smiles. And this is important.
I just had dinner at a place called RawRaw. The food was....yep...raw. Which would be fine because I love steak tartar, except it was vegetarian. Which is also fine because they did some amazing things with veges and nuts and berries. Beetroot ravioli with cheese filling - where the beetroot was sliced to make the top and bottom of the ravioli and in between the cheese filling was not cheese but rather a cashew paste. Dessert was titled parfait. And being a parfait fan I was attracted to it immediately by name. This version was not brutally chocolatey nor flammable nor bad for my health. It was indeed a mousse of pumpkin, raisins, and orange covered with a cranberry mash topped with crushed cashews, haselnuts and almonds. And it was delicious.
Take-aways: Why I am leaving Goldman Sachs
Why the article written by Greg Smith has gained so much traction, at least in my view, is that it is completely emotionally driven. In the same way a whistleblower communicates what everyone knows, but no one says, he has caught the attention of the mass media in a big almost viral way.
I have my views on the content of his letter to the editor. Each person is entitled to take a position on this - whether it be a) he's a courageous person for speaking up against something he doesn't believe in or b) what a sour puss - he probably didn't get the promotion or make the millions he had hoped for. In the end, as a rowing coach of mine once said "you are the master of the spoken word, however the written word is the master of you". Greg is now bound by his words, something that will probably make his future difficult.
Having something interesting or important to say, together with a willing and hungry audience is a powerful combination. More often than not, the barrier to not saying what you think is a certain rationality recognising the ramifications of speaking up. However to break the silence, there are only two things that can achieve this - 1) torture although even then it's not certain you'll find the truth and 2) an emotional drive to capitalise on the power given to you by your audience. The same emotional drive that wants retribution.
I would love to know the full story behind this letter to the editor!
Knowing when it is time to leave an organisation is usually an epiphany. It comes at a time when you realise you have moved on or things have moved on around you or you don't have the influence you once thought you had. For right or wrong. In a rational mindset it is easy to say c'est la vie, realise the situation and either try to do something about it or walk away. More often than not you can't do anything about it and out of principal don't want to walk away. This is where rationality gets throw from the window. This is where there the search for power starts to play out. This is where an inner burning for retribution is kindled. Subsequently this is where the trouble starts and the opportunities for those who wish to capitalise on their power -of speaking out to an audience who wants to hear- are realised.
Have we gained anything from this story? I would argue not. We have read a sensational piece of news, supporting what we already knew, what we already subscribed to (knowingly or unknowingly) but not moved forward. Soon, Greg will be forgotten, another story of GS will appear but again be swept away and the crux of the issue, bankers allegedly behaving badly, will be left to the markets and associated regulators to deal with.
I see the real takeaway from this article being the average readers' ignorance as to the inner workings of the world we live in and also the wasted opportunity that a, now former, employee had to change things that he once believed in.
I have my views on the content of his letter to the editor. Each person is entitled to take a position on this - whether it be a) he's a courageous person for speaking up against something he doesn't believe in or b) what a sour puss - he probably didn't get the promotion or make the millions he had hoped for. In the end, as a rowing coach of mine once said "you are the master of the spoken word, however the written word is the master of you". Greg is now bound by his words, something that will probably make his future difficult.
Having something interesting or important to say, together with a willing and hungry audience is a powerful combination. More often than not, the barrier to not saying what you think is a certain rationality recognising the ramifications of speaking up. However to break the silence, there are only two things that can achieve this - 1) torture although even then it's not certain you'll find the truth and 2) an emotional drive to capitalise on the power given to you by your audience. The same emotional drive that wants retribution.
I would love to know the full story behind this letter to the editor!
Knowing when it is time to leave an organisation is usually an epiphany. It comes at a time when you realise you have moved on or things have moved on around you or you don't have the influence you once thought you had. For right or wrong. In a rational mindset it is easy to say c'est la vie, realise the situation and either try to do something about it or walk away. More often than not you can't do anything about it and out of principal don't want to walk away. This is where rationality gets throw from the window. This is where there the search for power starts to play out. This is where an inner burning for retribution is kindled. Subsequently this is where the trouble starts and the opportunities for those who wish to capitalise on their power -of speaking out to an audience who wants to hear- are realised.
Have we gained anything from this story? I would argue not. We have read a sensational piece of news, supporting what we already knew, what we already subscribed to (knowingly or unknowingly) but not moved forward. Soon, Greg will be forgotten, another story of GS will appear but again be swept away and the crux of the issue, bankers allegedly behaving badly, will be left to the markets and associated regulators to deal with.
I see the real takeaway from this article being the average readers' ignorance as to the inner workings of the world we live in and also the wasted opportunity that a, now former, employee had to change things that he once believed in.
Ciao
Interesting takeaway from the weekend: the word "ciao" meaning both hi and bye in italian is derived from the word "schiavo" meaning "slave". So entomologically speaking each time you say ciao you are (generously) saying "i am you slave / at your service".
The other takeaway is that the mountains in the north of Italy are spectacular. Photos to come!
Ciao ciao!
384 hours in Australia (16 days)
Day 1: arrive long haul flight. But it's all worth it as the sun is shining and a dry warm wave of air greets you together with the embrace of family at the terminal exit. That and breakfast at the Adelaide Central Markets - eating Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr Seuss) and a flat white
Day 2: Find a spot to sit (The Adelaide Uni Boat Club is the best vantage point) and watch the "Tour Down Under" the only UCI Pro Tour in the southern hemisphere and the start of the season for the riders who will soon be tackling the long lumpy roads of France.
Day 3: Head down to Aldinga, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, for a bite to eat the Victory Hotel and then have an icecream at the Star of Greece over looking some of the most glorious beaches in South Australia
Day 2: Find a spot to sit (The Adelaide Uni Boat Club is the best vantage point) and watch the "Tour Down Under" the only UCI Pro Tour in the southern hemisphere and the start of the season for the riders who will soon be tackling the long lumpy roads of France.
Day 3: Head down to Aldinga, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, for a bite to eat the Victory Hotel and then have an icecream at the Star of Greece over looking some of the most glorious beaches in South Australia
My tastebuds loved Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for many things. My experience has revolved around great food. The Dutch do pride themselves on excellent food. I've put together a short list of some great eats in Amsterdam.
Le Restaurant was the highlight. It provided for a flaw-less culinary experience. While all the dishes and matched wines were soft (making it easier to avoid a palette clash) each course flowed exceptionally well. Le Garade, De Kase and those on the Great food list we went back to often...
Enjoy - and remember to stay away from the tourist canals. Amsterdam will reward you handsomely for simply wandering the canals with the goal of making the bright lights an ever distant glow in the background.
Le Restaurant was the highlight. It provided for a flaw-less culinary experience. While all the dishes and matched wines were soft (making it easier to avoid a palette clash) each course flowed exceptionally well. Le Garade, De Kase and those on the Great food list we went back to often...
Serious Food
- Lastage (http://www.restaurantlastage.
- Le Restaurant (http://www.lerestaurant.nl/)
- Bussia (http://www.bussia.nl/)
- Restaurant Lute (http://lute.nu/)
Great food
- Pata Negra (http://www.pata-negra.nl/)
- Cafe de Engelbewaarder (http://www.cafe-de-
- Stout! (http://www.restaurantstout.
Good websites for getting around Amsterdam
www.iens.nlEnjoy - and remember to stay away from the tourist canals. Amsterdam will reward you handsomely for simply wandering the canals with the goal of making the bright lights an ever distant glow in the background.
Mentors
With one of my Mentors, Brewy, having his first round of radiotherapy this week, I have been thinking a lot about our friendship and what I would consider a mentorship. It is awful to think that only a few weeks ago the great man was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. Post surgery he now faces many months of treatment in order to bounce back.
He says "I don't mind being a pin-up boy for beating the odds" and true, he's done it before after a horrendous car accident many years ago. Talk about a cat with nine lives. It is probably from this and his general approach to life that I also learnt a huge amount about positiveness and making the most of out of life. He wasn't everyone's cup of tea. He certainly polarised people with his energy. You were either with him or left behind. For me, I felt I had a lot to learn from him and a number of my other rowing coaches and friends who acted as mentors (probably some didn't even realise they were doing it!)
I've been in Germany now for 2 1/2 years and notice that I miss having people around to inspire and motivate me. Without it i'm also going pretty well in life! No doubt about that however there is something to be said for having a strong network of support around. Being a foreigner it is difficult to find those people and maybe it is not as much a part of the non-work culture here. Finding the right mentors as part of that network is not easy and in the hustle and bustle of today's life it's rare to find people that go out of their way to just be around to impart their knowledge and third party perspectives.
I look back on my work life and sporting life and hope i've shared of my thoughts in a positive way and also maybe been somewhat of a mentor. I will do my best to recognise when people are looking for that support and hope that others will too. Because in a non-egoistic way it's important to recognise that and then invest your time into others.
To Brewy - best of luck mate. I know whatever they throw at you, you'll fight back harder.
He says "I don't mind being a pin-up boy for beating the odds" and true, he's done it before after a horrendous car accident many years ago. Talk about a cat with nine lives. It is probably from this and his general approach to life that I also learnt a huge amount about positiveness and making the most of out of life. He wasn't everyone's cup of tea. He certainly polarised people with his energy. You were either with him or left behind. For me, I felt I had a lot to learn from him and a number of my other rowing coaches and friends who acted as mentors (probably some didn't even realise they were doing it!)
I've been in Germany now for 2 1/2 years and notice that I miss having people around to inspire and motivate me. Without it i'm also going pretty well in life! No doubt about that however there is something to be said for having a strong network of support around. Being a foreigner it is difficult to find those people and maybe it is not as much a part of the non-work culture here. Finding the right mentors as part of that network is not easy and in the hustle and bustle of today's life it's rare to find people that go out of their way to just be around to impart their knowledge and third party perspectives.
I look back on my work life and sporting life and hope i've shared of my thoughts in a positive way and also maybe been somewhat of a mentor. I will do my best to recognise when people are looking for that support and hope that others will too. Because in a non-egoistic way it's important to recognise that and then invest your time into others.
To Brewy - best of luck mate. I know whatever they throw at you, you'll fight back harder.
Travelling is my lounge room
I like being on the move. There is something about it for me that is both an escape and rejuvenation of adventure and excitement. By the same token travelling for me means a chance to take a break, relax and reflect.
Hoop Hoop - Lucerne Marathon 2011
Lucerne put on a magnificent show today at the 2011 Lucerne Marathon today. With the lake as the backdrop and a clinically organised event, in typical swiss style, was hosted.
9,000 runners converged on the city with just as many, if not more, supporters to cheer the runners on.
The reason for Lucerne was due to the suggestion of Fausto meet up together with his Zurich based friends and run a half-marathon. I had run two halfs during the year and took this event as my end of summer season goal.
9,000 runners converged on the city with just as many, if not more, supporters to cheer the runners on.
The reason for Lucerne was due to the suggestion of Fausto meet up together with his Zurich based friends and run a half-marathon. I had run two halfs during the year and took this event as my end of summer season goal.
The Eros Club Wrap Up
The Eros Club met at the Eros Statue at Piccadilly Circus on the 1st of October for the 76th meeting last Saturday. On a bright, hot and splendid London day some 40 South Australians met following a tradition started by two friends, Gavin Walkley and Bob Simpson, in 1935.
For the group that made it on time (unlike myself), a group photo is taken to commemorate each short meeting at the statue. This year, after the photo the group retired to the Walkabout at Tempel. This appropriate venue, an Australian styled drinking venue, had earlier that morning hosted the AFL grand final and still had the sweaty smell of beer reeking from just wiped floor boards. In the back room the group enjoyed some finger food and beers. It was a chance to then meet fellow South Australians and share whatever stories they wanted to share. Personally, I really enjoyed meeting a number of friends from School and St Mark's, some of whom I hadn't seen in many years. Similarly enjoyable was to meet a number of totally new people, some who were visiting, some who were on a short work trip and some who'd been in London for 20 years. This is exactly what it is about....
The Agent General of South Australia who represents SA on a number of diplomatic and trade relations is the host to the event. This year he wasn't able to attend but the assistant Agent General and their team put on a great show for all the guests. I was able to share a few words about Gavin and what I knew of the Club and was delighted to hear a number were regulars and had met Gavin or Bob many years prior either in London or at the parallel event held in Adelaide.
These type of events are considered somewhat quirky in nature but symbolise the opportunity to create a tradition and feel of community in a somewhat fragmented world. The chances are you are likely to go only once in your life but that's all you need to then be entitled to the title of "Erotic". So let the fun go on...
Thanks again to the organisers both in London and those back in Adelaide who organised the dinner.
Thoughts from Adelaide
After a request from a work colleague who wanted some tips when in Adelaide in a few weeks and a general feeling of homesickness catching up with Adelaideans at the Eros Club on the weekend, I write this blog to put together some special places that remind of Adelaide and I will try to visit as a priority on my next trip home...read on...
Piccadilly Circus Eros Club Meeting 1st October
Dear South Australian friends who will be in London next weekend,
In 1935, my grandfather Gavin Walkley set out to meet a few of his other mates who were travelling Europe. With the assistance of mobiles or Facebook they organised themselves by way of setting a time and place and stuck to it. They met on the 1st of October at noon at the most central landmark in London they knew - the Eros Statue at Piccadilly Circus. For 75 years this tradition has continued.
Next weekend, on Saturday the 1st of October, the 76th meeting will occur; once again at the Eros Statue at noon. Hosted by the Agent General this remains a great chance to meet up with friends and other South Australians. South Australian's who attend become life members of The Eros Club and shall thereafter be known as an Erotic. The name was thought up well before Google came along and made the search somewhat embarrassing.
I would be delighted to see you (and all your other SA mates) there and hopefully inspire you to continue the tradition that a group of mates from Adelaide started. The format is usually to meet at the statue and then afterwards head to a local drinking spot to continue the afternoon. Sometimes there's even a Villi's pie and some South Aussie booze to go around...
There's a heap of information about the club both online.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
http://www.theerosclub.com/
I've attached some recent news clippings from the papers at home. "The Eros Club" Book is an account of the club to celebrate it's 50th anniversary.
The Eros Club by Gavin Walkley
Messenger Newspaper Clipping
I'm told RSVP IS ESSENTIAL - if you will be attending PLEASE EMAIL info@south-aus.eu
Please pass it on and I'm very much looking forward to seeing you next weekend!
Cheers,
Adrian
In 1935, my grandfather Gavin Walkley set out to meet a few of his other mates who were travelling Europe. With the assistance of mobiles or Facebook they organised themselves by way of setting a time and place and stuck to it. They met on the 1st of October at noon at the most central landmark in London they knew - the Eros Statue at Piccadilly Circus. For 75 years this tradition has continued.
Next weekend, on Saturday the 1st of October, the 76th meeting will occur; once again at the Eros Statue at noon. Hosted by the Agent General this remains a great chance to meet up with friends and other South Australians. South Australian's who attend become life members of The Eros Club and shall thereafter be known as an Erotic. The name was thought up well before Google came along and made the search somewhat embarrassing.
I would be delighted to see you (and all your other SA mates) there and hopefully inspire you to continue the tradition that a group of mates from Adelaide started. The format is usually to meet at the statue and then afterwards head to a local drinking spot to continue the afternoon. Sometimes there's even a Villi's pie and some South Aussie booze to go around...
There's a heap of information about the club both online.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
http://www.theerosclub.com/
I've attached some recent news clippings from the papers at home. "The Eros Club" Book is an account of the club to celebrate it's 50th anniversary.
The Eros Club by Gavin Walkley
Messenger Newspaper Clipping
I'm told RSVP IS ESSENTIAL - if you will be attending PLEASE EMAIL info@south-aus.eu
Please pass it on and I'm very much looking forward to seeing you next weekend!
Cheers,
Adrian
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