Every now and then you have to deviate from the established patterns to avoid going round in a boring circle.
This philosophy was behind the decision to step out of our comfort zone and sign up with colleague Renée for a car rally organised by fCN. A prestigious networking organisation of which I have been a member since the beginning of this year. It seemed like a welcome change and a nice combo: team building + substantially expanding our network. Just as I prefer not to watch trailers of films (the surprise is usually gone by then), we largely let the preparation pass us by. 'We have to dress up,' Renée suddenly said two days beforehand. 'That's a joke right?' I asked anxiously. 'No, it really is and the theme is something with an R.' Pondering, mulling, praying. Commercial as ever, colleague Denise pushed us to go as Rockstars to promote our Music Meeting Lounge. Dressed in T-shirts with our logo, slightly tousled hair and some tentative accessories like a pair of hip glasses, we set off. After all, as a debutant, you don't want to present yourself overdressed.
That was a misjudgement... Not only did we stand out from the rest (totally underdressed ☹) our car was also completely out of place. The driveway of the starting point at Engelenburg Castle was full of cars you can only dream of: Maserati, Ferrari, Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls Royce. I counted 7 Porsches in all kinds of variants. In between, our team in a pathetic Mini. Thank God, a convertible, at least that still had something sporty about it. And then those outfits. Some more original than others. Ryan Air flight attendants, the Pope with a nun, members of the Royal Family, Robin Hood, and so on. For a moment, we considered leaving the driveway again at flying speed. But, hey, we're from Amsterdam, so love a challenge. And Simplicity Adorns The Mensch. That kept us going - sorry, down the road. The poodle prize for the worst outfit and car with the fewest horsepower was forthcoming. There was only one thing left for us to do: not finish last. That summation of shame would be too much. We crisscrossed beautiful Twente, through villages where you don't want to be found dead, braved dirt roads, took wrong turns, marvelled at (very) big houses and ditto farms, bypassed elderly cyclists - adorned with helmet and ‘life is over’ hairdo. Renée as navigator, me behind the wheel. ‘Keep going Mar!’ We invariably finished late. The comment - how could they have taken so long? – I heard someone from the organisation whispering behind our backs, she grumbles softly.
But those who are not fast must be smart. Out of 42 teams, we eventually finished as 17e. Network expanded? No. Barely spoke to a human being. Back home, I immediately put on an episode of 'We're almost there'. Caravans filled with sober souls peeling pips brought from home in the awning and ending the evening with an exciting game of rummikub. After an overdose of fast, famous & fashionable, back down to earth. Almost.
Marianne Kuiper
FounderEfficient Hotel Partner & Music Meeting Lounge
Intermediary in finding and booking the perfect location
