As per the start of the newsletter, this week has been all about physically getting myself back to Australia and settled in. I still marvel at just how quickly we can go from one point in the globe to another. And in a way, change from one life into another.
My travel was notable for 2 things: firstly, being ushered into a VIP lounge. A first for me in international travels! Second, for meeting the CEO of a multinational company that really did change my perspective on people. He was one of the most amicable of people, who genuinely seemed interested in people and helping where he could. During the start of our flight, instead of receiving his offered champagne, the staff on the plane accidentally spilled it all over him and his seat.
They, of course, were apologetic, especially given that he was a very frequent flyer. The CEO on the other hand was nothing but gracious. He wouldn’t even accept the offer a changed seat to inconvenience the staff! I suppose I always assumed that the stereotype of the demanding rich person was true. That trip shattered that preconception.
After arriving back, it was just lovely to be home with the wife and the cats. Visiting the parents and seeing them after nearly 3 months was also nice. I just wish I hadn’t gone after lunch since I missed out on a feast from mum (I only landed at lunch time, so wasn’t really possible!)
Then, it was a friends bucks party. It’s interesting to see how the activities have changed as we get older. I remember the first few bucks parties involved travel or going out all night. These days, it’s about taking the time and spending it with close friends. We went clay pigeon shooting, burgers for lunch, VR games and then a nice steak dinner. It was nothing you’d consider wild, but it was just so darned pleasant.
Often, youth is seen as the most desirable thing, but just like the preconception of the CEO, this weekend made me appreciate that age can also be a good thing.
The bucks was also my first time using a shot gun and doing target practice. It was far more fun than I thought it would be! And I was better at it than expected. We had a “competition” where the person with the highest score out of the last 12 targets won a trophy. Somehow, that was me!
Now I’m scared of myself 😂