“la parole exportée”

photo credit: fazen

One of the reasons why I’ve always loved interpreting is that I sometimes get to be at the core of where important matters are discussed and real (good) change can be made, provided that all stakeholders are ready to make things happen.

Yesterday’s meetings were no exception and I came away with the sentiment that at least some people in high places are really trying to make the world a better place for all, and not just for a minority.

2008 is an interesting year. The official recognition by the World Bank last year that structural adjustment policies were not working in developing countries, the emergence of China and its growing ties with Africa, climate change, food riots earlier this year, expectations arising from the presidential election in the United States, all combine to create a climate that is very different from that of the last decades. Agriculture, which up until now wasn’t considered as a very sexy topic, especially with urban populations, is rising again. There is a window of opportunity and we are probably coming to a turning-point.

What will come out of all this? We’ll have to wait and see. But it’s good to feel part of it, in a constructive way.

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I’m working away from home this week, and contrary to best blogging practice, I’m not scheduling any filler posts. So this blog is really representative of my life as a professional translator and conference interpreter.

This week’s first interpreting assignment is in the French luxury industry, for one of the best professional make-up artists worldwide.

As a professional with a different type of expertise, I’m learning many good lessons and finding reinforcement from observing a passionate, efficient, creative and generous character.

1. Passion fuels motivation.
2. Efficiency gets you where you want to be with minimum effort and maximum results. It involves using the best tools, in this case excellent products and the necessary amount, size, shape of brushes.
3. Creativity takes you beyond your comfort zone and helps you do more, better.
4. Generosity compels you to give your best to your clients and users.

Did I mention that I’m also learning some very useful tips?

This is NOT a sponsored post

I simply love the Eurotunnel Shuttle for the convenience and the comfort. I’ve used it since the opening service started back in 1990, and never stopped since (I also use the Eurostar). The Shuttle is a 35-minute train service that runs across (below) the English Channel, between Calais in France and Folkestone in England. It takes cars, trucks, coaches, and motorbikes. More info and photos on Wikipedia.

Unless you suffer from severe claustrophobia (it takes some courage the first time to accept the idea of staying under the sea for about 30 minutes, in a fairly confined environment), I see all sorts of advantages, provided that you are prepared to drive all the way to Calais and then to drive on the left in England.

• I’m easily sea-sick, so being driven under the sea is a very compelling proposition for me.

• My destination for the past 2 years has been a town about 20-30 minutes from the coast on the English side, so the Eurotunnel was the best choice for me.

• Yesterday, I was able to load my car with tons of luggage and stuff, books, etc. that you cannot take on the train.

• The Shuttle offers some flexibility. If you are delayed driving to the Tunnel, or on the contrary planned more time than was really needed, you can get onto an earlier or a later train, most of the time without paying any extra money, within 2 hours of your scheduled departure. You just get yourself to the check-in machine, and pick your time.

For the first time since it started operations, Eurotunnel didn’t lose any money last year. Unfortunately, many small investors who invested in the IPO are likely never to recoup their losses.

Good Morning Faithful Readers,

Do not expect to see me at the computer this weekend, this blog is taking a -short- holiday, and its owner too.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday in France, and coincides with my elder child’s birthday, as it has quite a few times in the past 24 years

I cannot afford to let everyone down on this occasion! I will of course be checking a few things, like I did recently too. And I’ll be back on Sunday evening.

What about you? Are there occasions when you feel you need to ‘close shop’ for events that you consider too important to miss?