On the morning Saturday, 22 May 2010, I got on a train at Brussels Midi Sud toward Louvain-la-Neuve - a year-long dream was coming true! Please read to the end to read about my take-away...
I've been a fan of Tintin the adventurer and reporter born of the imagination and creativity of Herge (Georges Remi) quite some time ago. As an 8, 9, 10-year-old I used to sit on the floor of the Lagunitas Public Library and imagined I was on the moon, under the sea, or in the mountains of the Himalayas. I'm sure I read them over, and over, and over again. I've got a few here at home, and re-read them from time to time...
So, a year or so ago, when I heard there was a museum all about Herge and Tintin (and more!), I knew I had to go; it was just a matter of time. Well, the opportunity arose! You see, I had this work schedule:
Monday: Seminar in New York City
Wednesday: Seminar in London, England
So, I looked into an airline ticket: LAX-JFK-LHR-LAX...grand total: USD $2,130.00
Then, I looked into another ticket: LAX-JFK-LHR and then return from Brussels to LAX. Ready for this? USD $938.00!
Next websites: Eurostar and Marriott - I booked a train ticket from London to Brussels, and two nights at a Marriott in central Brussels. Then, on Friday 21 May, I started my epic 48-hour journey! The train - through the chunnel - was amazing. I sat in "business class," enjoyed a glass of champagne, a fantastic lunch and space to stretch out and think. The hotel was fantastic, centrally located (and the lounge was incredible!). Friday afternoon and evening I enjoyed being a first-time visitor to Brussels, walked all over the Grand Place and then enjoyed an amazing Thai dinner.
The next day was THE day; I slept in (until 9am!) and then made my way to Louvain-la-Neuve. The train ride was great and I arrived to yet another new-to-me city! I found the "farmer's market" and bought a sandwich, some water, a latte and a big salad. Then, I made my way toward Musee Herge. Upon arrival, I saw there were many people gathering off in one room. When I asked at the counter what was going on, the woman said, "Today is the 1 year anniversary of the museum opening." My first comment, "Is the executive director here? I brought a copy of my book to give to them!"
Next thing I knew, I was being introduced to Nick Rodwell (see our picture below) and went on to meet with Luc van der Meeren, of Moulinsart - over a glass of wine and great conversation in the Museum Restaurant - Le Petit Vingtieme.
Ok, here is my take-away (two in fact):
1. Show up. Pick a goal, an event, a "think you want to do" and start making plans for it. The resources, time, and ability to make that happen will appear. Oh, and be ready to take in the subtle cues...
2. Ask for what you want. When I tell people that I "asked to meet the Executive Director to pass on a copy of my book," they say "Really???" Well, it was what I wanted to do! And, a lesson I learned from my uncle Mike long ago, "Until you ask...the answer is no!"
Thank you, Nick, for a wonderful visit to Musee Herge!
That's understandable that money can make us independent. But what to do when someone does not have cash? The one way only is to receive the personal loans and small business loan.
Posted by: LetitiaValencia19 | June 10, 2010 at 07:50 PM