Brandstorm Paris Trip (7-14 Jun 08)Seriously, I never thought that I will have the chance to go Paris. All I wanted is to manage this whole Brandstorm project properly.
Anyway, something happened at work, so in the end, I was given the chance to go. Hmm... Chance isn't the right word I think. I would say, I had no choice but to go. But I thought, this will be a good experience, so why not make use this opportunity?
Had a fantastic experience in Paris. My first time to a European country, and on top of that, Paris was a beautiful city with rich heritage and culture. The only pity was that, I didn't had much time to explore the city.
It wasn't easy bringing the Brandstorm team to Paris. I think I was under a lot of stress. Firstly, I wasn't really accustomed to being a caretaker for the team. Have to make sure that they are in good condition, make sure that they practise for the competition, carrying their props for them, coordinating with the Paris people etc. On top of that, I had to make the effort to liaise with the HR recruiters from other countries. I felt kind of small and insignificant, because the other HR recruiters were mostly of managerial level. Different frequency! I guess they must be thinking 'what is this young girl doing here?' And it doesn't help that I have a young face. Most people were thinking I'm part of the competition team or that I'm one of their friends.
Anyway, I'm glad that everything went fine over there. The girls really worked hard, and they won 3rd! I'm so proud and happy for them! Originally, I had a day with them to tour the city before returning to Singapore, but alas, I was unable to because I had to attend a HR meeting at the last minute. Had to hurriedly change my flight to a day later because of this meeting.
Didn't really want to attend the 2 days HR meeting coz' I was so totally unprepared for it! Only knew about this meeting from the other HR recruiters when I was in Paris. It was a meeting for Asia countries to share on their HR best practices. Each recruitment manager had to prepare and present on the HR practices in their country. And it's kinda odd that I have to sit in for it with the other recruitment managers. I was basically a parasite over there. But still, it was interesting listening to the HR practices in other countries. I'm so glad I didn't had to present! My presentation would have been so insignificant compared to the rest of the experienced people over there!
Anyway, I am so glad that I managed to survive those 2 days. Had to rush to the airport after the meeting. Was so afraid I will miss my flight. Thank goodness, the traffic was clear, so I managed to reach the airport way in time.
Though Paris was a beautiful city, I was so happy that I'm finally returning home! The trip was a good experience, but wasn't really that fun or enjoyable for me. If only it was a real holiday to Paris... I guess things could have been very different.
In any case, I hope I will have the chance to revisit Paris again!
