Wisdom from World Leaders - LC17

A couple of years ago I've stumbled upon the Leadership Conference - LC17 in London. I was so impressed with the magnitude of it - about 5 000 people in attendance. At that time that was the biggest crowd I've seen at such event.

Hosted at the Royal Albert Hall it was all set to impress indeed. But even more impressive - and surprising - was the diverse collection of speakers at that conference - world leaders from all walks of life. Not something I expected for sure.

I'd set out to share about it in a video, but have never finished it properly. However, I have decided to publish whatever thoughts I've recorded, even if unfinished and even if two conferences away.

Note to myself: don't miss the LC20.

Let Them Close

I came to a conclusion this Christmas season: there are too many things in this world. In the Western world for sure.

There are Christmas villages, Christmas fairs, Christmas stores, and than every other store has Christmas line of products as early as November, some October. Not as bad as in other places where it starts in September... like Philippines for instance. I'm not aware if things start earlier in any other place, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Merry Christmas

As I browsed various stores, the creativity, the variety, and the number or things on display is endless. And you know what? Looking at all there is, it occurred to me that there are not enough people to buy them all. Even discounted. Shoppers were scarce and some shops were quite empty day after day despite all the cute, beautiful ornaments and gifts offered. If anyone made money it was surely the venues renting out the spaces. Made money...

And it's not just at Christmas. It's a fact of life here: everything in excess. I find it somewhat amusing how people nowadays seem to rely so much of studies and research, as if you need "scientific" proof of everything before stating it. Yet, if you pay a bit of attention you will see with a naked eye what's happening. Here is the latest: it turns out someone did a study and found that 14 shops per day are closing on high streets in the UK. And if you do a search "stores closing down" you will find name after name of retailers big and small downsizing or going under completely. 

A Snippet of Gourmet Gifts

As far as I see, there are way too many clothes, shoes and things around here. For all to sell you'd have to have people shopping full time. Is this what we are made for? Shop till we drop? Get more things? 

Or is Christmas about that and giving gifts, or getting drunk, getting into fights, or going home crying, as observed on Christmas Eve streets?  

Don't get me wrong. I'm not against gifts. It's a beautiful thing - a "better to give than receive" thing. A gift it's given out of free will by definition, but I wonder if it's often felt as an obligation. I think it often puts pressure on people. And how come Santa doesn't bring one gift, but many? Aren't we letting the marketing industry, pushing a consumer culture, lullaby us into taking that as a norm? Like zombies, we go thru the motion to match the images broadcasted on the big screens, without stopping to ask whether that manipulation does us or our children any good.

Christmas is rather about giving the gift of love and good quality time with loved ones, reaching out, talking about the reason for the season and the difference it has made; leaving the worries and the bad behind, being thankful for what we've got, and forgiving, so that healing of mind and soul comes.

The Little Things in the Morning

So I'll say, let them close. Let things come into balance and let joy flow from above in and out of hearts full of gratitude. Than the New Year might be happy indeed!

What is your take on that?

How I've Spent the Last Day of Winter

Facing the Beast from the East

One unfunny thing about living in London is that there is no snow in winter. No. And when there is any resemblance the whole system is stunned. Immobilized. Disoriented. 

After Christmas went by uneventfully and I've heard rumors of friends going skiing, I sort of regretted not being a bit more creative in this regard. "Next winter", I said and put my mind to rest.

This winter was too cold. Not cold enough for snow, but neither very mild. So, I was looking forward to spring. Snowdrops and other blossoms all around in the middle of February, until one morning I pulled the curtains to a whole new scenery.

Winterland everywhere. I double-checked my location: still London. It turns out the "Beast from the East" was here. And it wasn't planning to leave soon. In fact, it was prepping the party grounds for Storm Emma. Can't say everyone was excited. But children were for sure.

And so was I. This was my chance at winter. If I didn't get to go the Winterland, winter came to me. LOL Can't complain.

I took a looong trip to Rochester thru the stormy weather, where my friends discovered a hill full of snow. The sole purpose? To go sledding and see Clopotsica, the gorgeous snowoman my friends built. 

Got back home so late - that train was slow! But the adventure was worth every effort. Have a look for yourself!

Today it's March 19. And for the last three days, winter is cycling back. It must have taken the wrong turn. Or it got lost. Or maybe it's time to adjust our calendar and start Spring in April. Or May. Maybe the hemispheres are swapping. Maybe...

How was your last day of winter?

Escaping the Sun

One day I have decided to move to London. Seriously. And the day of the move came. It was in August last year. I started writing this post on August 28... Uh! Life caught me in a tumble.

Many Londoners won't like hearing this, but I actually like the rain. It's cool.

Everyday there are new things happening. And everyday I'm thinking to write them down. And everyday that doesn't happen.

Besides new curious things to see, there are some new words to learn as well. For ex. people use serviette for napkin, underground or tube for metro, lue for bathroom (not sure even how to spell it) and so on.

It Does Say Underground and Toilets after all

The accents are something else. But that would be impossible to express in writing. The only case that I remember, just because I could not get it even for the 5th time, is the word "cutlery" that sounded 100% "calorie".

That's because this place is a big jungle where monkeys from all over the world gather and each thinks they know how to speak the language. At first I was worried about my accent and wanted it to sound British. I would be very surprised when people said it's beautiful and even found it sexy. I'm OK with it just being beautiful. Now, I think I will keep it. It's part of the journey of self-acceptance after all.

Part of the London Jungle

Attempts at Keeping it Green

Fascinated

One of the Bridges

People here were very helpful from the first time I stepped on this land. Some offered to help me with the luggage on the steps out of the underground. And no, they did run away with it. Others helped me figure out the payment system for the transportation.

The Real Jungle

People here complain. After all this is not paradise and all the PR and marketing in the world can't hide the real. I heard they complain like nowhere else. I even heard someone feeling bad about complaining prior to coming here. But then, after coming here, he discovered it is actually trendy. 

It Looks like People Here Are Not Too Fond of This Place and Their Politicians

Speaking of transportation, very soon I learned it's a money drainer. But not without limits. It's a pretty good service after all. Considering it moves around over 8.5 million people everyday and more.

USEFUL TIPS : If you come to London, even for a short time, get an Oyster card for traveling on any type of transportation (ask the assistants at the tube station). It costs 5 pounds, which will be refunded if you return your card at the end of your trip. With this card you will get a daily cap on your travel so you're not spending endlessly.

You can top it up at any underground station as well as at various convenience shops around the city.

If you don't have enough money for a trip, you can still take a bus for just one trip and then the money will be deducted when you top it up next time. Click for TFL travel fares and more.