Travelling abroad

I usually enjoy travelling overseas on holiday. Its enriching to be immersed in another culture and refreshing to be in a completely different environment. But travelling for work - well that's a completely different thing.
I had a 28 day holiday last year to australia - the longest I have ever been overseas. Unfortunately it was for reservist training and I spent most of that time in the desert communing with spiders. So that pretty much sucked.
Then there's travelling with students. Its enjoyable to travel with them learning more about them and their personalities. If you think travelling with kids is stressful, try travelling with forty. I'm responsible for them and ultimately I feel like a tour guide. Could never fully relax on a school tour. So that pretty much sucks too.
Then there's traveling for business. Travelling as a buyer has its perks. Since I source for suppliers, vendors usually meet me in big luxury cars and wine and dine me at expensive restaurants. Best treatment I have ever gotten was from this agency in Brussels where they put me in a presidential suite. Dinner ranged from caviar to lobster and wagyu beef. But its stressful when you have to make a decision who to give the $1.5 million to and whose services are best value for money. So that pretty much is a great experience until the last 2 days. So that half sucks.
Will have to travel tomorrow to Stockhölm for business. Well, i'll enjoy myself while i can. After I return, its back to work again.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous