Tag: Virtual Working

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Back to Reality…

There is nothing more affirming than when the US Immigration official hands you your passport and says..

Welcome home, Ms Kohler…

After 4 months in Europe, calling Belgrade, Lisbon, Prague, Munich, Salzburg and Sofia home; I’m back in America. Home.

Ah, home.. time to recalibrate, take in the experience and ensure that I take all this quality growth and help transform my life. Without getting too philosophical and morose, we all do know that America (maybe the world too) is going through seismic changes in what we do, how we work, our infrastructure and our culture. Rather than acquiesce to accepting that manic corporate behavior is the norm and the only way to make a living, I jumped at dipping my toe into the nomadic pool with Remote Year’s pilot summer program. Now that it’s over (deep sigh), I’ve come back with an invigorated spirit. I can claim that my creativity has been jolted, expanded and awakened. OK, it was awesome… Here’s why

1- Discover your personal resiliency. Constant travel is not easy. Long term travel is not vacation. There are all sorts of quirky experiences that occur that can set you on your heels. You learn to take them in stride and as trite as it sounds.. roll with it.. Sometimes the outcome is totally unexpected and can be far better than ever anticipated. If you open yourself to the possibilities. It’s also comforting to know that a jaded bureaucrat in Eastern Europe is essentially the same as the jaded bureaucrat at the Florida DMV.
2- You too can live with 23kg of possessions (50.6 pounds). Yes, I did travel for 4 months with 1 suitcase weighing in at 23 kg. I did have a computer bag and a carry on (under 8 kg, just in case my luggage was lost. This would give me 3 days of clothes and ziplock bag of toiletries). You become incredibly discerning in your wardrobe choices, realizing how much you’ve spent in the past on clothing and what you really need vs. want. Less does give you more. Oh, and shoes are really, really heavy. When in doubt, wear black. Chic, utility and you can clean it together.
3– Living in the city center is great! There is a vibrancy of living in the middle of everything that is highly energizing. You find yourself an instant part of a neighborhood. People are curious about you and within a week there are smiles and interaction. You become part of the daily flow. It’s alluring and very special.
4- There is life without TV.. but I also need more Internet! Yes, a contradiction… but, I found that when you enter a new community you should be out exploring not watching TV. As a result, you walk more get more fresh air, talk to people and don’t need to sit mindlessly watching stories of people living better or worse lives, being pandered to buy products you don’t need and discovering that your life is lesser than because of overt marketing. No, thanks. Yet on the Internet side, having access to the worlds information at a few clicks has enhanced my experience. I am now completely dependent on my mobile device. Google Maps and Translate have made navigating Eastern Europe and the Cyrillic alphabet a non-issue. Data is a wonderful thing.
5- In-season, fresh food is amazing! I was pleasantly surprised to find that everywhere I stayed this summer had abundant fresh produce. Farmer’s markets or pop-up stands are prevalent. The food is fresh, incredibly flavorful and plain delicious. I made meals from a fresh succulent tomato and few sprigs of basil.
6- Our lives are completely overstimulated. Imagine that everyone around you speaks a language you do not understand. This quickly diminishes your distraction. You have no idea what they are talking about as a result you find yourself insulated in a bubble of sorts. It’s very weird, but it does help with focus. Living this way was somewhat meditative at times. You start to realize how much noise you process as soon as you are back in your own environment.
7- Do I really need a car? I had not driven for four months other than a side trip (It was on the German Autobahn which if you must drive, is the only way to drive!). Living in a city center promotes walking and mass transit. I found that I enjoyed my walking commute. It gave me an essential pause from home-to-work and got me sufficient daily exercise. You get sensible walking shoes and an umbrella. It worked.
8- Street Art! I loved the visual impact of the local street art. Each destination delivered. In an Instagram age, what a better way to promote your city than street art. There also should be a call out to the city gardens, statuary and green spaces that punctuated every city. Each was captivating. I took over 4500 pictures! Most of my art images are outdoor murals, not curated museum pieces. I’d like to include street music in the same. I’ll never forget a cellist on Sofia’s pedestrian street, attacking AC/DC’s Back in Black with the verve of Rachmaninoff. Perfection
9- Cool people are everywhere… I knew I would meet people on Remote Year. I was pleasantly surprised to also meet and befriend locals and expats. After a certain point in life, it is very difficult to meet new people. The opportunity to make new friends diminishes. This was the highlight of my experience.
10- My work opportunity expanded. I developed two separate business streams that are gaining momentum and traction. Big difference than my corporate resume. This is the point where to demonstrate that I fully understand marketing process, I will refer this as the final step that brings feedback to the first step.. Discover your personal resiliency. A year ago, I would have led any work-life discussion with work. I’ve turned the corner, where life finally leads and work fuels it. I guess I am trainable.

Net- If you get the opportunity to work offshore for 4-months, take it.

You will not regret it. It will be challenging at times, but there is real growth there. The benefits are huge. I re-discovered my abilities, expanded my tapestry of experiences and believe that my work has never been better. I’ve met wonderful, talented, funny and caring people that have enriched my heart and nourished my soul. I dream big again.

It’s interesting when the physical workplace barriers are removed. You become free range and suddenly the possibilities are endless. Embrace it, see the world and discover.

Thank y’all for sharing my journey, look forward to seeing you on the road. I’m thinking Australia, Thailand or Bali for the next rev.. any recommendations?

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Finishing the summer in Sofia!

Summer is starting to wind down on Remote Year…sigh… This is stop 4 on my work from Europe summer tour and I’m smack in the middle of Sofia (Bulgaria)! Hard to believe it’s coming to an end, but first let me tell y’all about Sofia

Cathedral of St Alexandar Nevski

For the uninitiated, Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria (sits on the Balkan peninsula with Greece and Turkey to the south). This month I have a smart and highly-sometimes-efficient flat step away from the pedestrian Vitosha Boulevard, the entrance is tucked between a jewelry store specializing in sterling and stylish women’s boutique (all my basic needs). You have to precisely know where you’re going to gain access: unassuming and incredibly convenient. Most of the accommodations I’ve had in Eastern Europe have had very utility entrances. These are not known for curb appeal. There are no flower pots, colorful awnings or even doormats.  I like the obscurity. The pull is not the exterior, it’s the reveal inside. My unit does not disappoint. I have the consummate water closet (WC).. yes, all three basic pieces of plumbing are in one unit (you are allowed to laugh). Admittedly, shaving legs has never been easier and it is a challenge to keep the toilet tissue dry, enough said!  My kitchen is new, compact and ergonomically designed. I do believe that IKEA has had a hand in the layout and is in evidence with their basic kitchen dishes, cookware and cutlery. Essentially, IKEA has outfitted every apartment I’ve had this summer. They appear to be part of the overarching continuity. I am convinced that I’m one step away from actually living in the IKEA showroom. It’s sleek, affordable and vastly comfortable. I’m a fan. Oh, and I have a single unit that is both a washer and dryer. It does take absolutely forever to complete a full cycle, yet.. incredibly efficient. I’m sold on the compactness of these apartments. They completely serve all my needs, have ample room, tons of accessible storage and the city access is incredible. I’m living in about 400 sq ft and really liking it. Go figure!

 I discovered that I adore European café life and this month continues to deliver. The Vitosha Boulevard expanse is reminiscent of Barcelona’s Las Ramblas; it’s peppered with cafes, restaurants, gelato stands and excellent people watching. People are out from early morning to the wee hours (maybe they never go home), walking, socializing (and yes, there might be some serious drinking), enjoying the last days of summer. It’s a very special place. You can buy a draught glass of wine (that’s what they call it: draught wine. it’s wine by the glass and there is usually just one or two available) or experiment with the extensive varieties of bottled product. Local wines are tasty and rather inexpensive. Buy the bottle or two! (Remember, it’s a pedestrian street… no driving).  Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of meat, fresh fish (mostly trout), meat, hearty helpings of grilled potatoes, meat and salads.. specialty being the Shopska (tomato, cucumber, onion and heaps of local white feta cheese- recipe attached for fun). Fun moment: I’ve learned to bone my Trout, while dining at restaurant that caught the fish from the adjacent brook (doesn’t get much fresher than brook-to-table). Bulgarian yogurt is sheep or goat milk based and challenges Greek style (watch out Chiobani). Fresh produce stands are very popular even in the city. It’s been a treat to get this fresh of food daily. Oh, and if anyone is to offer you Bulgarian Tard.. you must try it.. This month in keeping with learning to cook something new and local, I got to attend a vegan dessert workshop and I’ve got several new recipes for pastry infused with Bulgarian rose oil… amazing.

National Theater on the way to work!

Ok, I’ve got a great apartment in the best location.. the icing for this month is my walking commute. I get to saunter down Vitosha (remember pedestrian street), cross over into a beautiful city park that houses the National Theater, series of fountains and historic statues, past the opulent Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski, then there’s a zig-zag through some funky construction (pedestrians and workers do mingle together in the construction zone. It’s odd to me, yet works for them. Be sure to watch your step. It is your responsibility to make sure you don’t get hurt)  to the office. It’s a treat and I am thoroughly enjoying the 20 minutes it takes to segue from home to work. Work is a fully tricked out facility including an expresso machine and a calming courtyard.  Here’s the secret, you can work for a few hours then take a break and go to the National Art Gallery to get inspired. There are also local artists with their wares for sale in the park next to the cathedral. Imagine the chance to discover the next great Bulgarian Expressionist!

Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site about a hour drive outside Sofia and worth the trip

Bulgaria… It is a little gritty, rough around the edges, yet alluring at the same time. The mountains are beautiful and offer a nice respite from busy city life. You are an inexpensive cab ride to a trailhead from the city center. There’s a definite deference to nature: hiking, natural springs and an expansive landscape. I’ve seen stunning sunrises, sunsets and the fabulous Corn Moon rise over the city. There are abundant fields just outside the city of sunflowers currently in seed, yet there are a few late bloomers (aren’t we all?) to give you an inkling of how lush and dramatic the yellow color was a month ago. Sunflowers are grown not only for their beauty but for cooking oil and bio fuels. The other cash crop is the elusive and aromatic Bulgarian rose. These are harvested in the midlands in June and offers a bounty of essentials oils that are the basis for their booming cosmetic, perfume and confection segments.

It’s getting close to going home time!

As my journey winds down, there will be more on this crazy concept of nomad working, being on the fringe while living abroad, expanding your viewpoints and my personal favorite: learning to live with less!  Thanks for coming along for the ride. I’ve enjoying having you.  

-C

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Let’s spend summer working in Europe !

 

Sometimes the world just calls. This summer I have decided to fully explore a variety of cultures on the Remote Year program. My adventure will take in four European cities. Each will allow me to live in an local apartment and work from a communal workspace; proving that the virtual connection technology allows us to transcend borders and continue to do good work.

First stop this summer is Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade is a city on the ascent. It is compact with an unique personality and energy to it. I arrived on Saturday night, greeted promptly by a Remote Year driver and taken directly to my accommodations. The apartment landlady was waiting, complete with house tour, directions and keys. I could exhale, unpack and go to sleep… This was painless!

My apartment is a third-floor walkup (there is an elevator, but the stairs are quicker), it’s an older building with white washed plastered walls, high ceilings, herringbone parquet flooring, spacious bath, modern kitchen and a balcony facing the street. In one direction, the apartment is located a block away from the Republic Plaza (Government seat) and adjacent Pedestrian Street (think super outdoor mall with outdoor cafes and musicians. It is very cool). In the other direction, it is next to the biggest city park and St. Marc’s cathedral. There are two workspaces in Belgrade. Both provide all the amenities necessary to do good work: fast WiFi, tech support, telephone booth, open work space, full kitchens. It’s fun to get up and walk to work. It’s about 5 blocks from apartment to work space (15 minutes total walking time says FitBit).. chance to get a good cup of coffee, pastry (oh, this town knows pastry!) and enjoy your commute. When was the last time you either commuted (I haven’t since 2001!) or enjoyed your journey from home to work? Hummm..be honest…

I know for certain that I enjoyed my commute today. It felt good.

 RSVP– I invite you to join me for this summer with Remote Year. My intention is to explore each city, see the sites, engage in the culture, learn some language, discover food & drink, do Pilates and have fun while doing some great work! Let’s have a good summer together!