So, I'm actually here in Brisbane, Australia. I'm living here - not on a business trip, not on a vacation - I'm actually living in Brisbane!
If you would have asked me 90 days ago if I would be writing this Blog from Australia, I would have told you there was no way, not a chance in a million but truth is not only stranger than fiction, it's also more unpredictable than our best laid plans.
I won't waste time telling all of the circumstances that brought me to the place where I accepted the role of interim General Manager of Pratt & Whitney Canada's turbine overhaul shop here but that's where I find myself, in a very unfamiliar place.
Let me reiterate the ways this is unfamiliar:
I have never worked in a turbine engine maintenance shop, let along been part of managing one.
I have never not lived outside the state of Michigan - I'm now living in a foreign country.
I have never lived in a city larger than Muskegon, Michigan (population 0f ~250,000 if you scrape together most of the municipalities) - I'm now living in a major metropolitan area of ~1,800,000).
I could add driving on the "right side" (which means the left side) of the road, while sitting on the wrong side of the car, the very interesting language differences (think Crocodile Dundee x 10 because is never stops), some very interesting difference in foods and beverages and more.
Yet - this is a very exhilarating experience and one that I think I might be able to enjoy and benefit from - if I keep the proper perspective.
Brisbane is like San Diego but much (much) nicer. There's less pollution, less traffic, the pace is slower and more laid-back and the weather is even superior. There is a great public transportation system, wonderful public spaces and a lot of terrific food to be had. The arts and cultural possibilities are plentiful and it's a very health conscious environment - everyone (or so it seems) is on a bike, jogging, climbing the rocks at Kangaroo Point or something.
So - my weird experience from last week. On Saturday, I had been here for 4 days, and had (mostly) recovered from jet lag. I was given my first driving lesson by my friend Pierre Goulet (who is here as my Supply Chain Manager) and was headed for the hotel room. I had picked up a "what's happening in Brisbane" paper in a lobby somewhere and I saw MXPX was playing. That day. In 15 minutes. 10 minutes from my hotel.
I had been jogging that morning and had noticed that they were setting up for a concert at the River Stage in the Botanical Gardens and now I connected the dots - so I was off to try and get there in time to hear some of the show. Sure enough, as I walked alone the river, the sounds of "Responsibility" were ringing through the air and I could stand right outside the venue to hear the entire set. I even called up my son Kevin (it was about 1:30 AM in Michigan but he was driving home with some friends from a concert at that time) and I got to share that experience with him. It was pretty cool!
Well, this is where I'll end for now - but there will be much more to come. Stay tuned for more and please post your comments!
If you would have asked me 90 days ago if I would be writing this Blog from Australia, I would have told you there was no way, not a chance in a million but truth is not only stranger than fiction, it's also more unpredictable than our best laid plans.
I won't waste time telling all of the circumstances that brought me to the place where I accepted the role of interim General Manager of Pratt & Whitney Canada's turbine overhaul shop here but that's where I find myself, in a very unfamiliar place.
Let me reiterate the ways this is unfamiliar:
I have never worked in a turbine engine maintenance shop, let along been part of managing one.
I have never not lived outside the state of Michigan - I'm now living in a foreign country.
I have never lived in a city larger than Muskegon, Michigan (population 0f ~250,000 if you scrape together most of the municipalities) - I'm now living in a major metropolitan area of ~1,800,000).
I could add driving on the "right side" (which means the left side) of the road, while sitting on the wrong side of the car, the very interesting language differences (think Crocodile Dundee x 10 because is never stops), some very interesting difference in foods and beverages and more.
Yet - this is a very exhilarating experience and one that I think I might be able to enjoy and benefit from - if I keep the proper perspective.
Brisbane is like San Diego but much (much) nicer. There's less pollution, less traffic, the pace is slower and more laid-back and the weather is even superior. There is a great public transportation system, wonderful public spaces and a lot of terrific food to be had. The arts and cultural possibilities are plentiful and it's a very health conscious environment - everyone (or so it seems) is on a bike, jogging, climbing the rocks at Kangaroo Point or something.
So - my weird experience from last week. On Saturday, I had been here for 4 days, and had (mostly) recovered from jet lag. I was given my first driving lesson by my friend Pierre Goulet (who is here as my Supply Chain Manager) and was headed for the hotel room. I had picked up a "what's happening in Brisbane" paper in a lobby somewhere and I saw MXPX was playing. That day. In 15 minutes. 10 minutes from my hotel.
I had been jogging that morning and had noticed that they were setting up for a concert at the River Stage in the Botanical Gardens and now I connected the dots - so I was off to try and get there in time to hear some of the show. Sure enough, as I walked alone the river, the sounds of "Responsibility" were ringing through the air and I could stand right outside the venue to hear the entire set. I even called up my son Kevin (it was about 1:30 AM in Michigan but he was driving home with some friends from a concert at that time) and I got to share that experience with him. It was pretty cool!
Well, this is where I'll end for now - but there will be much more to come. Stay tuned for more and please post your comments!
4 comments:
Rick,
You humility is amazing. We all know you are an experienced world traveler. Having said that, I'll take it at your word that this experience is truly different. Doesn't it, or can't it, feel like an extended business trip? I know from my own limited experience in traveling that being away from home is unsettling, especially after a week of being away. You can have all the benefits of living somewhere exotic with the security of knowing it is only temporary. We are all here for you, watching and learning from you (as we have all along...).
Can't wait to hear more...
Your friend Jim.
Rick, God has a plan/plans for all of this. Can't wait to discover His intentions. While it is not the same here without you, we are happy that this opportunity has come your way. Muskegon's loss is Brisbane's gain! Please know that you are in our thoughts (hearts) and prayers. Hope you're taking lots of picures that you can post! We're looking forward to sharing this experience with you via email/blog etc. Blessings and.....be God's! -Dave and Vicky
I take offense (for all former, current, and future residents) with your comment about Brisbane having BETTER "stuff" than San Diego. Everyone knows that's not even possible. So...now that I've cleared that up...God bless you and keep you on this adventure! Bro. Craig
Rick,
Sounds like way too much good food...at least if you are running you can justify some of it!
Enjoy the adventure.
The Rent-A-Pastor
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