Day 3
I am so tired I could sleep on a chickens lip. The air keepers (also knows as air hostess's) have just travelled round and I've got a Wispa and a cuppa tea. I'm not sure I would of made it through the last 5 minutes otherwise. The plane seems deafening, I'm not sure it was this loud on the way over. Perhaps I was so buoyed with excitement and fear I was simply deaf to it all.
There were also legs dangling out of the plane as we got on, maybe he messed up the airplane volume controls. I do not have a lovely lady buying me prossecco and talking about ham this time so I fear this plane ride made drag. Oh, an hour has crawled past, just 50 minutes to go. I wish I had my own kettle however I do have an empty seat which my bag has sprawled across, seriously that has gotto be a talent, taking up all space alotted to me in a matter of minutes. I check for the millionth time my passport is in place and try to heat up my tea with eye rays. Sigh, alas needing tea isn't eough to bring on my super powers. Yet.
Today we were shown around Maxalto which I have never felt that strongly about. I <3 B&B and have from day Tufty Time. I mentioned previously my need to refrain from licking it. Quite looking forward to perusing the pricelists when I get back, not only B&B/Maxalto but also the brands the guys talked about, seeing the difference in materials and the descriptions after seeing it in person. Anyway, I always felt that Maxalto was... boring, but it is really, really not. Its simply understated as it only has one designer as opposed to B&B. You could furnish an entire scheme in Maxalto it looks so gloriously luxurious together. Quite sad saying bye to the guys, I got a few cwtches in. Maybe I'll see them when I visit their stores, see are like in comparison to their personalities.
B&B was beautiful overall, even down to the toilet sink. I can't really describe it other than yum, and perhaps cwtch. I had a fantastic time I can't believe its over now, I want to be sent away again! Perhaps not tomorrow.
But the day after... :)
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Bonjourno
Day 2
They have truly fantastic ham in Italy, and I should know as 'Ham' was my first word. It's also Helen's last name, which I may of laughed at (she took it well) while also being mildy jealous.
Was woken at half 7, saying Bonjourno to a tune down the telephone, not the lovely little man we had the previous night. So sweet and welcoming (maybe in response to my deer in headlights expression) that I wanted to keep in my pocket. We met for breakfast and then left for the B&B factory at 9. We were given an Introduction to B&B, or I should say C&B and then taken for a tour around early marketing publications, which included Kate Moss's mum, then onto the basement where unfortunatly cameras aren't allowed.
We were shown the entire production process from the individual moulds relating to the specific chair codes I had been sending over, through to the packing process. People are so involved, they are behind every piece of machinery or even checking things by hand. I had to refrain from diving in and curling around the leather, I fear it would have been frowned upon.
After a refreshingly light, yet delicious lunch (enter ham) where I met our agent, we were tutored about Flat C storage which even though we were all fairly enthusiastic about to begin with did put us into a semi coma due to the amount of information told:coffee supplied and the fact that the lights were out. I was furiously drinking my Cola in an attempt to postpone eye blinks which were taking longer and longer to open. At last we were given glorious cappuccinos and left to admire the beeeeaaauuutiful pieces in the showroom.
Put me in a 'design' environnment and I will swear blind that that is all I would need in my house, however plop me in a vintage/antique fair or market and I get lost in the story of the piece and I refuse to buy designer ever again. Today was definatly decide 'Designer' or put differently 'Beautifully made' and I am so glad I am here to appreciate the pieces face to face, or really Kims Bum to B&B seat. The journey was frightening as hell in theory but in practice totaly do-able. I sat on and smoothed every piece and really appreciated how they had spaceplanned the showroom. One large room with various partitions but really designed perfectly to allow 'sets' for each selection of pieces and styling. So much so I could take a photo and by moving slightly to the right or left a wall would appear to slide into place and become the frame to the item in question.
Dear lord, time has leapfrogged and I haven't even spruced! Few more facial layers needed before - if last night was to go by - I partake of some of the most delicious wine, coffee and food and listen to some very interesting conversations.
They have truly fantastic ham in Italy, and I should know as 'Ham' was my first word. It's also Helen's last name, which I may of laughed at (she took it well) while also being mildy jealous.
Was woken at half 7, saying Bonjourno to a tune down the telephone, not the lovely little man we had the previous night. So sweet and welcoming (maybe in response to my deer in headlights expression) that I wanted to keep in my pocket. We met for breakfast and then left for the B&B factory at 9. We were given an Introduction to B&B, or I should say C&B and then taken for a tour around early marketing publications, which included Kate Moss's mum, then onto the basement where unfortunatly cameras aren't allowed.
We were shown the entire production process from the individual moulds relating to the specific chair codes I had been sending over, through to the packing process. People are so involved, they are behind every piece of machinery or even checking things by hand. I had to refrain from diving in and curling around the leather, I fear it would have been frowned upon.
After a refreshingly light, yet delicious lunch (enter ham) where I met our agent, we were tutored about Flat C storage which even though we were all fairly enthusiastic about to begin with did put us into a semi coma due to the amount of information told:coffee supplied and the fact that the lights were out. I was furiously drinking my Cola in an attempt to postpone eye blinks which were taking longer and longer to open. At last we were given glorious cappuccinos and left to admire the beeeeaaauuutiful pieces in the showroom.
Put me in a 'design' environnment and I will swear blind that that is all I would need in my house, however plop me in a vintage/antique fair or market and I get lost in the story of the piece and I refuse to buy designer ever again. Today was definatly decide 'Designer' or put differently 'Beautifully made' and I am so glad I am here to appreciate the pieces face to face, or really Kims Bum to B&B seat. The journey was frightening as hell in theory but in practice totaly do-able. I sat on and smoothed every piece and really appreciated how they had spaceplanned the showroom. One large room with various partitions but really designed perfectly to allow 'sets' for each selection of pieces and styling. So much so I could take a photo and by moving slightly to the right or left a wall would appear to slide into place and become the frame to the item in question.
Dear lord, time has leapfrogged and I haven't even spruced! Few more facial layers needed before - if last night was to go by - I partake of some of the most delicious wine, coffee and food and listen to some very interesting conversations.
Friday, 13 May 2011
Mi Chaimo Kimberley.
Je me suis perdu!
French and Italian are far too similar! Well, I have recently been on a tip to Milan where my phone refused to work. That was comforting, and I did feel rather lost at the times where I would usually relay my day to Matt. So I reverted to life pre-boyfriend and wrote it down. As follows. With editing.
Day 1
Slightly paranoid first moments. Its 6 o'clock and I have finally found myself in my room, situated for the first time today and all the electricity in my room has just turned itself off. Must be a trip switch, do they even have trip switches?... *avoids panic by picking up pen*.
Enter David coming to get me for drinks and working out the whole 'room working against me situation', i took my key dongle out of its special hook in the wall and the wall does not like that. I am torn in regard to how many photos to take, for many reasons however my urge to record is strong! I don't want to misplace myself because I was taking a photo or act like the classic tourist around fancy London people. The fear of the situation is making things emblazed on my memory, I can't belive I am here. I made it! I'm tucked up in bed in Milan. Hee! Felt quite alone to start with, adventures aren't half as fun with no one to share it with. No-one can see my amazing room! Mine is the prettiest however, because I am female? My menu had no prices - to protect my delicate sensibilites or because women tend to pick the most expensive things? I peaked at the others and it didn't really persuade me either way really. Luckily one of the guys from Harrods could speak Italian so we managed to wing it. Its was some of the lovliest food, wine and coffee I have ever had.
I couldn't take much part in the furniture parts of the conversations as I was a wee thing next to them, I recognised the names of the manufactures but not the nuances each one had. I loved listening however to how they differed to Momentum, relationships to customers, what they favoured, what annoyed them, what they sold. I've been with Momentum 10 months and I feel as if I haven't stopped yet I've barely touched the surface. It was interesting to see how the men reacted to eachother, showmanship etc. Ha. I wonder if my territorial side would have come up if I was surrounded by women. Hmm.
I feel rather paranoid about what I can and cannot say which I am not accustomed to. I love to talk, I know I should reign it in and I think I did learn how to... behave?... partially control my crazy ways perhaps. I don't stress about how people take what I say. People open up to the ditzy ginger and end up smiling along, however whether thats with me or at me that is another matter! I don't usually have barriers so I find it somewhat disconcerting deflecting questions I would of loved to answer about what I do, my role, what I bring to the company, what Momentum is about, but I can't! They could learn the location of the Golden Goblet and doom would fall on Momentum and I shan't bring that!
-falls into Buffy stance-
Onto tomorrow! <3
French and Italian are far too similar! Well, I have recently been on a tip to Milan where my phone refused to work. That was comforting, and I did feel rather lost at the times where I would usually relay my day to Matt. So I reverted to life pre-boyfriend and wrote it down. As follows. With editing.
Day 1
Slightly paranoid first moments. Its 6 o'clock and I have finally found myself in my room, situated for the first time today and all the electricity in my room has just turned itself off. Must be a trip switch, do they even have trip switches?... *avoids panic by picking up pen*.
Enter David coming to get me for drinks and working out the whole 'room working against me situation', i took my key dongle out of its special hook in the wall and the wall does not like that. I am torn in regard to how many photos to take, for many reasons however my urge to record is strong! I don't want to misplace myself because I was taking a photo or act like the classic tourist around fancy London people. The fear of the situation is making things emblazed on my memory, I can't belive I am here. I made it! I'm tucked up in bed in Milan. Hee! Felt quite alone to start with, adventures aren't half as fun with no one to share it with. No-one can see my amazing room! Mine is the prettiest however, because I am female? My menu had no prices - to protect my delicate sensibilites or because women tend to pick the most expensive things? I peaked at the others and it didn't really persuade me either way really. Luckily one of the guys from Harrods could speak Italian so we managed to wing it. Its was some of the lovliest food, wine and coffee I have ever had.
I couldn't take much part in the furniture parts of the conversations as I was a wee thing next to them, I recognised the names of the manufactures but not the nuances each one had. I loved listening however to how they differed to Momentum, relationships to customers, what they favoured, what annoyed them, what they sold. I've been with Momentum 10 months and I feel as if I haven't stopped yet I've barely touched the surface. It was interesting to see how the men reacted to eachother, showmanship etc. Ha. I wonder if my territorial side would have come up if I was surrounded by women. Hmm.
I feel rather paranoid about what I can and cannot say which I am not accustomed to. I love to talk, I know I should reign it in and I think I did learn how to... behave?... partially control my crazy ways perhaps. I don't stress about how people take what I say. People open up to the ditzy ginger and end up smiling along, however whether thats with me or at me that is another matter! I don't usually have barriers so I find it somewhat disconcerting deflecting questions I would of loved to answer about what I do, my role, what I bring to the company, what Momentum is about, but I can't! They could learn the location of the Golden Goblet and doom would fall on Momentum and I shan't bring that!
-falls into Buffy stance-
Onto tomorrow! <3
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