Ice Chip #17

Building Lasting Relationships

I am typing this newsletter in Terminal 3 at the Alaska Airlines waiting area in Chicago's O'Hare Airport.  It is 3:30PM Central Time.... 12:30PM in Anchorage... and 10:30PM in Amsterdam, where I left this morning..... The time changes are telling me to rest, however, the memories of incredible experiences are flooding my mind and I am too excited to sleep.
 
In BNI and Ecademy, the philosophies of "Givers Gain" and "A Friend in Every City" are the hallmarks of their respective organizations.  For me, my 20 years of association with BNI and just over one year with Ecademy have led to many lasting relationships of empowerment, compassion, support and care.
 
Over the last 48 days, I have explored 11 countries.  I have done this by plane, motor coach, bullet train, ferry, car, subway (the underground tube) as well as walking.  I have traveled over 50,000 kilometers, (Sacrebleu!! I mean - over 30,000 miles:  thought I was still in Europe!!); and into the hearts and homes of my welcoming hosts and sponsors.  With a warm hug and much love, I graciously and humbly thank the following people who cared for me as I travelled.
 
Cornelis & Ingrid de Maijer - Hoogland, The Netherlands; Erwin de Laat - Mechlen, Belgium; Tina Jonasen - Copenhagen, Denmark; Liz Chukwu - London, England; Paul Clegg - Frome, Somerset, England; Marieme Jamme - Guilford, England; Freddy & Linda Daems - Mechlen, Belgium; Andreja Lahj - Ljubljana, Slovenija; Christophe & Beatrice Poizat - Mirepoix, France; Helder & Sofia Falcao - Trofa, Portugal; and Victor Marques - Douro Valley, Portugal.

A very big Hug to each and every one of you.
 
The lessons learned on this extraordinary journey are already serving me well as I return to my loving wife Nancy and my wonderful home in Eagle River (Anchorage).  I may set a world record for a welcome home hug and kiss when I see her.....
 
This is the last installment of the visual Ice Chips for this trip.  Yes there will be more traveling and taking the message of Remember the Ice around the globe.... Stay tuned.
 
In these albums are some memories from my last country, Portugal.  What an extraordinary place, with exquisite beauty, history and culture.  I highly recommend you put this country on your "bucket list".  On Sunday June 7th, I arrived in Porto, Portugal by bus from Toulouse, France. From the smiles on the faces of the locals to the patriotic pride of the flags hanging from their balconies, the Portuguese are a passionate people. 

My dear friends Helder and Sofia Falcao hosted me in Porto and their home town of Trofa.  Helder and Sofia are National Directors for BNI Portugal, as well as BlackStars on Ecademy.  Our networking relationship fostered several meetings with BNI chapters and fellow Ecademy members.  Helder was a great translator for the "Remember the Ice" message.

We traveled to Lisboa, and did some BNI meetings and Toastmasters as well.  More opportunities to share "Remember the Ice".  Thank you Helder.  We also had the opportunity for a very nice meal at Dom Pepe just south of Lisboa.  The steak was excellent, and the Crepe Suzette was out of this world...... The process is in the album as well.  MMMMMMMMMMM..... delicious.  The owner, Jose joined our table for some great conversation and a very special bottle of 29 year old port wine.

The next morning, I awoke and noticed an exclusive automobile showroom just across the street from my hotel.  So I decided to investigate.  It was a Lamborghini.  Take a look at the price tag in the photos.

Then we visited Helder's parents at a wonderful spa in the city of Geres, in the northern part of Portugal.  Water is the focus, as it is the essence of life for each of us and the beautiful flowers and plants all around the spa.

Some of the best wines in the world come from the beautiful Douro Valley.  Victor Marques is a master of the process of making wine and carries on a family tradition.  He is a man with a huge heart and was a wonderful host.  Thank you Victor.

One of the many hillsides full of precious vines...

I lift my glass to each of my friends I met along the way.   You welcomed me into your home and your heart, and for that I am eternally grateful.  I look forward to seeing you in Alaska in the near future.

Thank you to all of you who have enjoyed this journey with me. 

Have a phenomenal week!

Best regards,

Bob

comments