Hi everyone. I made it back safe and secure from Istanbul! Will post more about my trip soon. Moving to Dammam on Monday...more to
Come. :-)
What have y'all been up to? Shoot me some love jayliffejessup@wsgc.com
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Istanbul day 1
Good morning friends. What a day I had yesterday! Let's catch you up...after my relaxing morning of lounging in bed until 10am (that's really late for me) I ventured out to
Starbucks as it had a great outdoor seating area. I sat and people watched and read for about two hours. It was so enjoyable to just sit back, relax and unwind and not be sweating my ass off! Yesterday's weather was so phenomenal, a high of about 75...compared to my normal 108, it felt chilly but I wore shorts anyway...mainly because I could! Lol. Silly I know.
Anyway, after a light lunch, oh yes dear reader it definitely included two bottles of champagne.
We went to find the Hagia Sofia. You'd think that three grown men would be able to find a HUGE building...well apparently not. Of course we went the wrong way, and just kept walking towards a big mosque that we assumed just had to be it. Sadly, on our first attempt was not successful. However, it wasn't a waste of time. We did get to see the inside of a mosque that happened to be part of the Great Bazaar (also started to walk through that-but decided to turn around).
After asking a few street vendors (who all seemed confused as to why we couldn't find the building). We found it, the Ayasofya. The ginormous church/mosque/museum was only meters from our lunch spot...and of course part of a large complex that also houses Sultanahmet mosque (aka the Blue Mosque). If only we had paid more attention to our surroundings we would have seen this glorious area.
As has been the case on my adventure, I am once again in awe of ancient sacred sites. The mass complexities and specific architectural details that were specific to empires long since extinct definitely take your breath away. To imagine these buildings outside of their current context. Huge massive buildings that are the backbone of religion in this area dating back to 360 A.D.
Okay, so it's time for a history lesson. I think it's extremely important to talk about it do that you can understand just what makes the Ayasofya so special.
First, the building you've just looked at is not the original structure. That one was originally built in 360and was destroyed twice by riots. The structure you see is the result of three different religions adding (and removing) specific icons. The current building's last religious role was that of an Imperial Mosque.
Think back to History class in high school. You definitely studied this guy named Constantinople. Well the original two buildings were named after him. The Cathedral of Constantinople was destroyed and the Emperor (Justinian) ordered that a new one be built. the building was constructed from 532 -537 and was designed by the Greek. It was dedicated to Lagos. And for those that don't know, Lagos is the second person in the trinity. The dome of the building is considered to be the epitome of the Byzantine empire.
The church itself has a very important place in history. Not does it play a part in three different religions (Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim) it had some great events that happened here. The most important was the excommunication of Michael I Cerularius in 1054. For those that must have been sleeping in history class, that was the start of the Great Schism between the East and West and probably where the Eastern Orthodox church got its start.
So fast forward, in 1453 the Ottoman empire conquers the Byzantine empire and the building is ordered to be made into a mosque. All of Christian relics are removed, walls covered in plaster and carpets laid down. Mehmed II has the mihrab ( which points towards Mecca), minibar (what a Christian would consider the pulpit) and minarets (prayer is called from here) added, (they are depicted below in the same order).
I wont bore you with too many facts. Enjoy my photos of this place.
Next on our agenda was the Sultanhamet Mosque. You might know this as the Blue Mosque. It was built from 1609-1616 and was commissioned by the Sultan who wanted it to rival the Ayasofya.
This structure contains key elements of the Aya and Islam. It has 6 minarets instead of the normal 4. This caused issues as Mecca was the only mosque with 6. It wasn't until they added one more in Mecca that it became okay.
So okay, the blue mosque doesn't look blue. Well, the inside of the domes/walls are either painted blue or adorned with blue tiles. You will also see traditional calligraphy depicting verses of the Qur'an.
I don't have many photos from inside as its a current place of worship for Muslims and I wanted to respect that.
After our tour through the mosque, we walked down to the Bosperhous
And took in the beautiful water. Of course now it was 4pm... HAPPY HOUR!!!!! We had drinks at roof top terrace overlooking both the Aya and blue mosque.
After a quick shower and costume change we had a traditional Turkish dinner and them off to bed.
Hopefully my dear reader you learned something! More to come after today's adventure.
Starbucks as it had a great outdoor seating area. I sat and people watched and read for about two hours. It was so enjoyable to just sit back, relax and unwind and not be sweating my ass off! Yesterday's weather was so phenomenal, a high of about 75...compared to my normal 108, it felt chilly but I wore shorts anyway...mainly because I could! Lol. Silly I know.
Anyway, after a light lunch, oh yes dear reader it definitely included two bottles of champagne.
We went to find the Hagia Sofia. You'd think that three grown men would be able to find a HUGE building...well apparently not. Of course we went the wrong way, and just kept walking towards a big mosque that we assumed just had to be it. Sadly, on our first attempt was not successful. However, it wasn't a waste of time. We did get to see the inside of a mosque that happened to be part of the Great Bazaar (also started to walk through that-but decided to turn around).
After asking a few street vendors (who all seemed confused as to why we couldn't find the building). We found it, the Ayasofya. The ginormous church/mosque/museum was only meters from our lunch spot...and of course part of a large complex that also houses Sultanahmet mosque (aka the Blue Mosque). If only we had paid more attention to our surroundings we would have seen this glorious area.
As has been the case on my adventure, I am once again in awe of ancient sacred sites. The mass complexities and specific architectural details that were specific to empires long since extinct definitely take your breath away. To imagine these buildings outside of their current context. Huge massive buildings that are the backbone of religion in this area dating back to 360 A.D.
Okay, so it's time for a history lesson. I think it's extremely important to talk about it do that you can understand just what makes the Ayasofya so special.
First, the building you've just looked at is not the original structure. That one was originally built in 360and was destroyed twice by riots. The structure you see is the result of three different religions adding (and removing) specific icons. The current building's last religious role was that of an Imperial Mosque.
Think back to History class in high school. You definitely studied this guy named Constantinople. Well the original two buildings were named after him. The Cathedral of Constantinople was destroyed and the Emperor (Justinian) ordered that a new one be built. the building was constructed from 532 -537 and was designed by the Greek. It was dedicated to Lagos. And for those that don't know, Lagos is the second person in the trinity. The dome of the building is considered to be the epitome of the Byzantine empire.
The church itself has a very important place in history. Not does it play a part in three different religions (Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim) it had some great events that happened here. The most important was the excommunication of Michael I Cerularius in 1054. For those that must have been sleeping in history class, that was the start of the Great Schism between the East and West and probably where the Eastern Orthodox church got its start.
So fast forward, in 1453 the Ottoman empire conquers the Byzantine empire and the building is ordered to be made into a mosque. All of Christian relics are removed, walls covered in plaster and carpets laid down. Mehmed II has the mihrab ( which points towards Mecca), minibar (what a Christian would consider the pulpit) and minarets (prayer is called from here) added, (they are depicted below in the same order).
I wont bore you with too many facts. Enjoy my photos of this place.
Next on our agenda was the Sultanhamet Mosque. You might know this as the Blue Mosque. It was built from 1609-1616 and was commissioned by the Sultan who wanted it to rival the Ayasofya.
This structure contains key elements of the Aya and Islam. It has 6 minarets instead of the normal 4. This caused issues as Mecca was the only mosque with 6. It wasn't until they added one more in Mecca that it became okay.
So okay, the blue mosque doesn't look blue. Well, the inside of the domes/walls are either painted blue or adorned with blue tiles. You will also see traditional calligraphy depicting verses of the Qur'an.
I don't have many photos from inside as its a current place of worship for Muslims and I wanted to respect that.
After our tour through the mosque, we walked down to the Bosperhous
And took in the beautiful water. Of course now it was 4pm... HAPPY HOUR!!!!! We had drinks at roof top terrace overlooking both the Aya and blue mosque.
After a quick shower and costume change we had a traditional Turkish dinner and them off to bed.
Hopefully my dear reader you learned something! More to come after today's adventure.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Headed to Istanbul
Good Morning my lovelies!!! Jason and I made it to our latest destination so I'm sending Greetings from Istanbul, Turkey.
I Only have time for a quick message today.
Our trip was pretty much uneventful. A short 3.5 hour flight here.
Turkish Airlines puts out a great spread...menus and everything.
After we made it through the cluster-F that was passport control & customs, we headed to the metro. I had a serious flashback to my former life in Boston. Riding the subway made me feel like I was in the bean. The streetcar that took us just meters away from hostel travelled through an area that reminded me of taking the B line out past Boston University.
So now I've said that the trolley dropped us only meters from our hostel...shoot. What I meant to say was, should've dropped us. We definitely got off at the wrong stop...got all sorts of mixed up and turned around. And then, dear reader, we got caught in a summer thunder storm.
OMG the thunderstorm was absolutely amazing---remember we've not been in a climate that was cooler than 106 for 2 months. The streets were bustling as I saw a huge bolt of
Lighting in the sky to west. One at a time, Huge drops of rain slowly started to drop...and then the sky opened up. Everyone (including us) was running for cover. As we all squeezed together, up close to buildings, I could feel the energy of the city. Unlike at home, the rain seemed to energize the city.
After flattening myself for what felt like an eternity, the rain let up. Street venders returned to their fruit stands and pretzels. Local artisans unrolled their tarps and reSet their displays of homemade jewelry. Jason and I finally figured out where our hostel was located.
A little frustrated after being lost and definitely a little wet from the rain, we arrived at the Cordial House. After and confusion transaction (still not sure how much I got charged) we dropped our belongings off in our rooms and headed out.
To say that I was excited about having something to do at night, is definitely an understatement! We found a cute little restaurant and shared a cheese plate and several cocktails.
Today is Wednesday...Jason's boyfriend is landing shortly. After he gets to us, I think we will head out and explore!
I'll try to blog again before I leave.
Much love to you...
.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I Only have time for a quick message today.
Our trip was pretty much uneventful. A short 3.5 hour flight here.
Turkish Airlines puts out a great spread...menus and everything.
After we made it through the cluster-F that was passport control & customs, we headed to the metro. I had a serious flashback to my former life in Boston. Riding the subway made me feel like I was in the bean. The streetcar that took us just meters away from hostel travelled through an area that reminded me of taking the B line out past Boston University.
So now I've said that the trolley dropped us only meters from our hostel...shoot. What I meant to say was, should've dropped us. We definitely got off at the wrong stop...got all sorts of mixed up and turned around. And then, dear reader, we got caught in a summer thunder storm.
OMG the thunderstorm was absolutely amazing---remember we've not been in a climate that was cooler than 106 for 2 months. The streets were bustling as I saw a huge bolt of
Lighting in the sky to west. One at a time, Huge drops of rain slowly started to drop...and then the sky opened up. Everyone (including us) was running for cover. As we all squeezed together, up close to buildings, I could feel the energy of the city. Unlike at home, the rain seemed to energize the city.
After flattening myself for what felt like an eternity, the rain let up. Street venders returned to their fruit stands and pretzels. Local artisans unrolled their tarps and reSet their displays of homemade jewelry. Jason and I finally figured out where our hostel was located.
A little frustrated after being lost and definitely a little wet from the rain, we arrived at the Cordial House. After and confusion transaction (still not sure how much I got charged) we dropped our belongings off in our rooms and headed out.
To say that I was excited about having something to do at night, is definitely an understatement! We found a cute little restaurant and shared a cheese plate and several cocktails.
Today is Wednesday...Jason's boyfriend is landing shortly. After he gets to us, I think we will head out and explore!
I'll try to blog again before I leave.
Much love to you...
.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Peykhane Cd,Fatih,Turkey
Friday, June 1, 2012
Training Success, Princesses and Visitors
Happy Friday my friends. Another week in the KSA has passed. That brings my total time here just over 6 weeks- just about half way through my three month commitment. How was your week? Anyone do anything super exciting?
Last time we talked I was getting ready to teach a class called "Coachable Moments" to all of the managers. I was surprised at how responsive all the managers were. In fact I go the best response from the Assistant Sales Managers and Sales Managers. It was so much fun to watch them practice coaching (and their English). I'm going to be showing you some photos from my classes because I'm really proud of my students!We spent a lot of time talking about what qualities a great coach possesses. It was very interesting to hear that all these managers have the same idea about this as we have in the USA. Sadly most of them agreed that they were not being good coaching. I think what was most alarming was that a few of them thought they were already a great coaches....
One of the things that we spent time on was talking about recognizing people through encouraging their performance on a daily basis. Simple, right? Not so much here. I am not sure if it is a cultural difference, or if its a Jeddah thing...but not much praise for a job well done (or even for an attempt to do a good job) is given.
I'm really excited by the take-aways that each manager had. In two stores I've seen great starts at creating some recognition boards.... Look how creative this one store was..using just Microsoft word and extra pieces of gift wrap that they were going to throw out.
The most hilarious part of that week had to have been when Jason and I took the GMs to lunch. Hopefully I am able to paint a clear picture for you of just how laugh out loud funny it truly was. Okay, so we go to TGI Fridays in one of the malls. You would have thought that these guys had never been there before in their lives. Besides the fact that we were the loudest table in the Single's Section, I swear the guys ordered everything on the menu. Normally, people have a sandwich or burger for lunch on a work day. Not the case...we had appetizers, full on meals (like steak, and fajitas) plus everyone had a "mocktail". Who could forget that before lunch was even ordered, one GM put an order in for to-go desserts...lol It was like watching little kids in a toy store, not sure of which toy to play with first. I wish I thought to take photos during lunch, but I literally was laughing so hard. here's a photo of my GM group, who had to take a dessert break during our training.
Let's see, what else major happened? I almost forgot, Jason and I got to work with a Princess! She was a riot. She wanted to buy all of our store fixtures. At first, she was being really demanding of the sales associates and almost rude to me. She asked why we wouldn't sell her a fixture. (Mind you this fixture is attached to a wall and is literaly like 20-25 feet in width and almost 8 feet tall). She laughed at my response that in the US we wouldnt be able to sell it as it was too big. Her reply was that she had the perfect spot in her linen room. Of course, my sarcastic side came out..."Linen room, I replied...look at you.." Instantly she was my new best friend. She gave me both her email and phone number and wants Jason and I to come to her home for a tour....crazy!!!!!!!
So this week, we had to swap training plans....In the KSA we had what we in the retail world, call a Jet Trip. It is so called as a group of executive fly in (usually on a jet...) and tour stores in the market and fly out to the next market. In the US, jet trips are quick visits, but that is mainly because of the sheer number of stores and markets that we have locations in, in the Middle East we only have a few so each store had a visit that lasted 1-3 hours. Needless to say it was a long day (we didn't start until 1:30pm and also had to travel between stores and do a potential site visit).
As we are nearing the first day of trading in our newest locations in Dammam, the DM here was unable to be at the visit, or to work on prep in this market...so Jason and I got to spend time not only leading the market in its prep work, but traveling with the "entourage" to all the stores in Jeddah.
Jason and I got to meet three more Alshaya folks on this visit. Once again we had the Vice President and Director of the Home Furnishings Division, but we added in the Regional Visual Manager and Brand Merchandise Manager for PB and PBK, and lastly the new Business Director for West Elm. All I can say is, what a fun group of people.
The group had two women in it. So it was amusing to be able to sit in the "Family Section" at all the places we went to. The ladies were so amused by having to wear the Abaya. In fact they both had to buy them specifically to travel here. (The KSA is the only country where you must wear it, no exceptions).
Besides a visit, this week has been pretty tame. I started working out again on Sunday. I've gone five out of the last six days... its been challenging, but I am going t loose weight if it kills me. I'm reaching my stride faster each day, which is nice. Its really true about releasing endorphins...I work out in the morning and it really sets me up to have a productive day.
OH!...I got a care package from my mom last weekend (THANKS MOM!) Crystal Light, cold brew tea bags and a Tide stain pen....EXCITING, I know....I'm just so sick of drinking just water or really need to lay off the soda. (And not just because its diet Pepsi, which I am not a fan of ...). Its interesting how getting something so silly or functional really made my day! I mean, I took photos of it...lol
Hmmm.... what else? I was also very excited to hear from Ann and Tonja. (Two of my West Elm favs)...So excited that Ann had herself a great jet visit in the US and that Tonja is really settling in to her new home in Brooklyn. Speaking of New York...I am still trying to decide if I am going there after Boston/RI. I did book my hotel in Boston ~ Marriott Copley (might as well use my life time status as a Platinum rewards members) in August...train to RI is also done. Just unsure how long I should go for? One week, 10 days or 2 weeks?. After all, I gave up both my annual Aruba vacation on April AND my 30th Birthday trip to New Orleans in May. So, I think I deserve to take two weeks off in August....
I think thats it for now. I'm missing you all. Really want to hear what is new in your world, shoot me an email jayliffejessup@wsgc.com and fill me in! I promise to write more often...but only if you do too! xoxoxox
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Last time we talked I was getting ready to teach a class called "Coachable Moments" to all of the managers. I was surprised at how responsive all the managers were. In fact I go the best response from the Assistant Sales Managers and Sales Managers. It was so much fun to watch them practice coaching (and their English). I'm going to be showing you some photos from my classes because I'm really proud of my students!We spent a lot of time talking about what qualities a great coach possesses. It was very interesting to hear that all these managers have the same idea about this as we have in the USA. Sadly most of them agreed that they were not being good coaching. I think what was most alarming was that a few of them thought they were already a great coaches....
One of the things that we spent time on was talking about recognizing people through encouraging their performance on a daily basis. Simple, right? Not so much here. I am not sure if it is a cultural difference, or if its a Jeddah thing...but not much praise for a job well done (or even for an attempt to do a good job) is given.
I'm really excited by the take-aways that each manager had. In two stores I've seen great starts at creating some recognition boards.... Look how creative this one store was..using just Microsoft word and extra pieces of gift wrap that they were going to throw out.
The most hilarious part of that week had to have been when Jason and I took the GMs to lunch. Hopefully I am able to paint a clear picture for you of just how laugh out loud funny it truly was. Okay, so we go to TGI Fridays in one of the malls. You would have thought that these guys had never been there before in their lives. Besides the fact that we were the loudest table in the Single's Section, I swear the guys ordered everything on the menu. Normally, people have a sandwich or burger for lunch on a work day. Not the case...we had appetizers, full on meals (like steak, and fajitas) plus everyone had a "mocktail". Who could forget that before lunch was even ordered, one GM put an order in for to-go desserts...lol It was like watching little kids in a toy store, not sure of which toy to play with first. I wish I thought to take photos during lunch, but I literally was laughing so hard. here's a photo of my GM group, who had to take a dessert break during our training.
Let's see, what else major happened? I almost forgot, Jason and I got to work with a Princess! She was a riot. She wanted to buy all of our store fixtures. At first, she was being really demanding of the sales associates and almost rude to me. She asked why we wouldn't sell her a fixture. (Mind you this fixture is attached to a wall and is literaly like 20-25 feet in width and almost 8 feet tall). She laughed at my response that in the US we wouldnt be able to sell it as it was too big. Her reply was that she had the perfect spot in her linen room. Of course, my sarcastic side came out..."Linen room, I replied...look at you.." Instantly she was my new best friend. She gave me both her email and phone number and wants Jason and I to come to her home for a tour....crazy!!!!!!!
So this week, we had to swap training plans....In the KSA we had what we in the retail world, call a Jet Trip. It is so called as a group of executive fly in (usually on a jet...) and tour stores in the market and fly out to the next market. In the US, jet trips are quick visits, but that is mainly because of the sheer number of stores and markets that we have locations in, in the Middle East we only have a few so each store had a visit that lasted 1-3 hours. Needless to say it was a long day (we didn't start until 1:30pm and also had to travel between stores and do a potential site visit).
As we are nearing the first day of trading in our newest locations in Dammam, the DM here was unable to be at the visit, or to work on prep in this market...so Jason and I got to spend time not only leading the market in its prep work, but traveling with the "entourage" to all the stores in Jeddah.
Jason and I got to meet three more Alshaya folks on this visit. Once again we had the Vice President and Director of the Home Furnishings Division, but we added in the Regional Visual Manager and Brand Merchandise Manager for PB and PBK, and lastly the new Business Director for West Elm. All I can say is, what a fun group of people.
The group had two women in it. So it was amusing to be able to sit in the "Family Section" at all the places we went to. The ladies were so amused by having to wear the Abaya. In fact they both had to buy them specifically to travel here. (The KSA is the only country where you must wear it, no exceptions).
Besides a visit, this week has been pretty tame. I started working out again on Sunday. I've gone five out of the last six days... its been challenging, but I am going t loose weight if it kills me. I'm reaching my stride faster each day, which is nice. Its really true about releasing endorphins...I work out in the morning and it really sets me up to have a productive day.
OH!...I got a care package from my mom last weekend (THANKS MOM!) Crystal Light, cold brew tea bags and a Tide stain pen....EXCITING, I know....I'm just so sick of drinking just water or really need to lay off the soda. (And not just because its diet Pepsi, which I am not a fan of ...). Its interesting how getting something so silly or functional really made my day! I mean, I took photos of it...lol
Hmmm.... what else? I was also very excited to hear from Ann and Tonja. (Two of my West Elm favs)...So excited that Ann had herself a great jet visit in the US and that Tonja is really settling in to her new home in Brooklyn. Speaking of New York...I am still trying to decide if I am going there after Boston/RI. I did book my hotel in Boston ~ Marriott Copley (might as well use my life time status as a Platinum rewards members) in August...train to RI is also done. Just unsure how long I should go for? One week, 10 days or 2 weeks?. After all, I gave up both my annual Aruba vacation on April AND my 30th Birthday trip to New Orleans in May. So, I think I deserve to take two weeks off in August....
I think thats it for now. I'm missing you all. Really want to hear what is new in your world, shoot me an email jayliffejessup@wsgc.com and fill me in! I promise to write more often...but only if you do too! xoxoxox
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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