My travel notes abroad (2) Two trips to Europe (1)

June 02, 2023

My travel notes abroad (2) Two trips to Europe (1)

Europe, strictly speaking, Western Europe, I was there twice, in 1996 and 2003. Two times were 14 days, led by general manager and chairman of company, transfer once was representative of intermediary, and other was representative of foreign business. They were in Germany, Italy, Vatican, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and other countries.

Twice to Europe, situation is similar, our company introduced a batch of equipment, use was normal, but also produced due benefits, according to provisions of contract, company may have several places to organize a delegation to inspect European manufacturers, it was clear when it was signed purchase contract at that time. Fortunately, as a contract executor, company allowed me to participate in inspection team and study abroad.

A trip to Europe in 1996 was my first trip abroad. At that time, it was not easy to go abroad, not for personal reasons, but for business trips. First of all, you need to get approval. The foreign company will send an invitation letter. Then company will write an application report, attach an invitation letter and an agreement between two parties, and get approval of relevant department. After they are completed, book a flight abroad and prepare for your journey. Therefore, it usually takes one to two months from moment company decides who is ready to go on a business trip, if there are appropriate leaders in inspection team, period can be extended. At that time, heads of relevant departments usually participated in such trips abroad for inspections, which was also a simple and practical measure for convenience of work.

After completing formalities, people also need to make some preparations. For example, clothes, going abroad in those days was also a big problem, we were sent special fees for clothes, and we needed a suit, and we had to wear a suit for official events abroad. I remember my company colleagues and I went to local wool factory to order suits. Another example is food: despite fact that we are subsidized every day abroad, older people bring home-cooked food because they are not used to eating. Each of us borrowed a large suitcase from company to check in luggage and other things during trip. I remember our CFO, a box of instant noodles, even when we got home there was nothing left. Some of them were thrown away later. It's not just about appetite, it's about saving foreign currency. Of course, in foreign company canteens, we really can't eat pure Western food, and we can't eat it in just a few bites. This is a Chinese restaurant run by Chinese people on street, also improved Chinese food, and taste is just as good. In fact, subsidies given to us, that is, US dollars, were not allowed at that time.because of conditions, and they all thought about quitting after a long time, and they also wanted to use money to buy some small gifts. for their relatives outside to return. Little heart worth trip.

Twice I went to Europe for study and exploration, visited manufacturing enterprises. To be honest, at that time it really was a revelation. It left a deep impression on me. Especially when I saw computer-controlled automatic three-dimensional warehouse, I was very impressed, which at that time was not in our country. Also, when I saw exhibition stands in production halls of German companies, employees put forward reasonable suggestions and small reforms, accompanied by sketches, I really admire craftsmanship. At that time, I also heard that some foreign workers had a special small workshop at home, they had all kinds of tools, such as car pliers and planes, and they could do what they needed at home in their free time.

Atomium, famous building in Brussels, Belgium