After the meeting had adjourned John suggested that we all go to a bar across the street for a drink. I'm not sure exactly what time it was, but it was probably somewhere around 7:00 or 7:30. I obviously agreed, and everyone
joined, except for Livia, who still had some work to do. So, it was me and 4 of Bratislava's most successful men. You can imagine how excited I was. Before it was time to order, the lawyer, Dalibor Kiscelica, and I talked about our beverage preferences. I told him that I had tried the darker style beer, and he loved that. He went into a long description of why it is one of the best beers he has ever had. I finally figured out what the name of it is: Šariš (pronounced "Sharish"). It is absolutely delicious. Devoid of chemical processing, you can taste every single ingredient, so the taste is clean and almost sweet. I definitely recommend it.
The night was filled with stories, pints, and laughter. I felt so welcome in their presence, and each of them were attentive and generous. The Chairman even told me I could use his lodge for a weekend. They taught me how to toast properly (hence the title of this entry), asked me about my experiences thus far in Slovakia, gave me recommendations on where to eat, shop, and hang out...it was brilliant. The experiences that these men have had are absolutely extraordinary, and the fact that they wanted to share them with me was priceless. This included tales from military service, trips around the world, hunting stories, and dirty jokes. I'm certainly more comfortable around them now. I feel as though knowing the personal side of the people you're working with can enhance your ability to suit their needs.
The lunch gang seems to be growing! Today I met Inge, from Denmark. She is a lovely person. Very positive and driven in her work. We went out for Chinese, and I had the sweet and sour chicken. Everything was made from scratch (there is an obvious difference between dine-in and take-out Asian food...) and at the end of the meal they give you a stick of Wrigley's Double-mint Gum. What a throw back to the States that is.
Tonight I have to meet with my AIESEC "Buddy" in order to get some things accomplished to get my temporary residence and working permits. I gave them the documents I had gotten in the US yesterday so they could be translated. Apparently I have to wait in line to do some other things. The whole waiting thing is definitely still a part of this culture. We wait to get on the bus, we wait to get food, we wait to get documents, we wait to get paid....the list goes on. I guess some things you just can't break yourself of.
Also, I get my business cards today! It makes me feel so official. This way I can give people my contact information when I go to seminars and whatnot. Anyhow, its a beautiful day in Bratislava! Blue skys with a chilly air, very invigorating. I actually have some real work to accomplish, so I'm going to get to it.
Love to you all.
3 comments:
A fresh drawn, full flavored dark beer, a crust of locally baked buttered bread, and good conversation around a pub table - I'm so jealous! Saris sounds like a drink I could get used to. I'm so proud of you for taking the opportunity to really get to know the members of BritCham. And of course you fit right in with the business crowd - you have all your mother's grace, wit and charm, to go along with that first rate brain of yours. Express yourself in the meetings - that's what you're there for. And business cards! Now you're official!
Glad they liked the book. I'll be sure to let Dr. Sing know.
Waiting. Queueing up. Paper work. Permits. Some things that you aren't overly accustomed to. Such is the life of the expatriot!
When you said "business cards" I automatically thought of "American Psycho" with Christian Bale. Of course, if you got brightly colored ones - as opposed to the normal dreary white - that would certainly make an impression.
I think all the greetings and things that Dad took us to when we were younger prepped us for these sorts of meetings. Of course the real purpose of those meetings were to show us off, but we all knew that.
I forgot that you're speaking to Brits when you mention these meetings, right? I was thinking to myself, "golly, Elise sure is acclimating to the Slovak language quickly" and then I remembered. SIlly me.
Let me know when your breaks are within your day so I can plan my skype-time accordingly. You're the only one that has a Mac too, so I'll actually be able to see you! I promise a virtual tour of my room with the conversation.
Haha. Daddy is jealous. That's cute. I'll wake up early to talk to you tomorrow. Everything sounds like it is going even better than you could have imagined. Next time we talk we talk more about you. Love Love Love.
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