Marbella or Bust



Back in the cold damp days of January, all managers were called to a conference in Birmingham. Assuming it was just for our area, consisting of 13 managers and an area manager, we made arrangements for travelling, expecting a reprimand for overspending or mis-managing from senior management.

Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find the managers from all the different areas there too. Intrigued, we speculated over coffee amongst ourselves, and sought out friends from other areas, who seemed equally mystified.

The gathering was called to order and we filed into the conference hall to be enlightened.

The first item on the agenda was the presentation of an industry award, which was a remarkable achievement in itself. There were several speakers explaining how the criteria for the award was assessed with videos from the individual stores which took part. The chief assessor gave us a synopsis before presenting the award. Many photos were taken and copies of the certificate were given to all present to display in their stores.

The rest of the morning was taken up with financial reports and a review on the initiatives which commenced at our annual conference, and a new one was introduced.

By now, we were getting a little puzzled as the annual manager's conference incorporates all this type of information, and we have never had a mid-year conference before.

Before we took a lunch recess, they announced details of the location of the annual conference. Each year, managers are invited to the conference which has been held in a different part of the country every time. Last year was Blackpool, the previous year was in a golf hotel near Chester. Former locations have been Oasis in Penrith and Blackpool in a smaller hotel. The hotels have to be large enough to cater for around 400 people, as supplier's representatives also join in and give presentations on their new products and initiatives, and they have been sumptuous, and superior each year.


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Videos were shown of various places which had been considered, before showing the final choice - Butlin's in Skegness. We were to take over a large part of the complex for three days for the conference and team building exercises.

During the break for lunch, many expressed their surprise and disappointment regarding the choice. Some were grateful for the chance of a free break from work, with friends and good food and accommodation for free. Still, this was a senior management decision - who were we to argue?

After lunch, we settled down again for the final part of the conference, discussing results from management forums, staff consultation groups, and new I.T. progress and procedures. It was a very interesting afternoon, culminating in a questions and answers session between us and the senior management.

The Managing Director had the final word summarising the day's main points, and then remarked on the amount of negative comments concerning the location of the annual conference he had overheard during lunch.

He invited us to state what we would like from a conference, which were duly written down.

Suggestions were such as :


Sun
Good food
Fun
Good accommodation
Ease of travel
Cheaper drinks
More free time


After a brief resume of the above, the senior management then said we might like to watch another video, and the room darkened once more.

This was a fabulous presentation of a luxurious hotel, in an exotic location - Marbella, Spain.

After it was finished, we were asked if this was what we had in mind. With free travel from a local airport, connecting transport, free drinks and food, and two days free time to explore Marbella and an free optional trip to Puerto Banus, and all the hotel amenities at our disposal with guaranteed sun and fun, who wouldn't have been happy? All we had to do was to arrange cover for the stores, and supply a passport! It was the company's way of thanking us and acknowledging the success of a good year's trade, and the award.

We were still reeling as we left to make our way home, not sure if we had actually heard correctly. Was it an April Fool's joke? This was January - they were a little early with their joke.

Over the next few weeks, it became very clear that it was indeed true, and no joke. Passport applications and instructions were distributed, with free checking provided by the Post Office stores, and hotel brochures were handed out. I was going to Marbella, Spain.

The next few weeks were a flurry of passport applications, and photos, submitting passport numbers and names, and arranging cover for the store. The staff were envious, of course, but were happy to cover for three days in June. I have never had the opportunity to travel abroad and was quite excited at the prospect. Our area manager teased those who were worried about flying, quite mercilessly, and was disappointed that I appeared happy at the prospect. I had always wanted a chance to fly, so I was not going to allow him to put me off. After all,, if you haven't tried something, you can't be frightened of it. The return might be a problem, if I found I was airsick or panicked on take-off or landing, but I was willing to take that chance.

Then there was the delicious chance to choose a "posh frock" for the Gala Dinner - something special for Spain, and some smart and casual clothes for a hot climate as well. A woman's delight. A rummage through the wardrobe and cupboards found some items to use, too. The suitcase was theoretically packed by February!

There was a mad flurry collecting the relevant documents together - why can you never find your birth certificate when you need it? Obtaining a duplicate seemed a saner option to me, and was a fairly painless exercise. There was panic regarding the passport, made worse for myself, as somehow the Post Office mislaid one document, and when packed, I posted the wrong one. Many phone calls to and from the Passport Office arguing about it, finally resulted in the documents and Passport being supplied. They were correct, as the wrong document had been supplied by me, but there was no sign of the correct one anywhere. Still, I had a passport, time to worry about that later.

Travel arrangements were made to the airport, and the company would take us on from there. The time dragged through to the end of May, and suddenly we were into June. The last few days were spent checking we had everything ready and finished at the store and at home, making life easier for those left behind. A lift to the "base store" to meet up and we were off for a conference with a difference.

The atmosphere at the airport was electric. We checked in and made our way up to departure, meeting up with others as we went. A few coffees and cigarettes for the nervous, with more than a few butterflies in stomachs, we chatted the time away waiting for the call to board the plane. One or two were uneasy about flying, being teased by our area manager, and getting worried. The rest were excited and restless. We were called to board on schedule and we embarked on the plane which we had exclusive use of.

My daughter lived in Cyprus for two years, and had given advice on the flight. I was more excited than nervous - after all, if she could do it at 20, then I should be able to at double that! Take-off was exactly as she had described and the view from the window was amazing. It is quite astonishing how quickly you ascend and the world shrinks away. Within minutes we were leaving England and heading toward France, with cabin crew supplying us with food and drinks to pass the time. Before long, France disappeared beneath cloud and then we could catch glimpses of the sea. When the cloud finally cleared, we were over Spain, and I marvelled at the change of colour of the terrain. England had been green, France had been green and brown, and green, grey and orange are the colours of Spain. The sun was bright and hot through the plane window and the adventure had begun. Before long we began to descend and we tried to make out where the airport was. Finally the captain announced we would be landing shortly and to fasten our seatbelts ready. The landing was as good as the flight had been and before long we were standing in sunny Spain, two and a half hours after leaving an overcast Britain.


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Leaving Britain


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Malaga Airport


There is a long walk to luggage reclaim in Malaga airport, and the temperature was in the high 80s. We all streamed through to collect our luggage from the carousel and then to board coaches for the onward travel to Marbella. The coaches were thankfully air-conditioned and cool when we were making the 40 minute drive to Marbella, which passed quickly whilst we were reading the welcome brochure and discussing the table plan for the Gala Dinner. We are all buzzing with excitement, and anticipation. On arrival at the hotel, which is situated half-way up a mountain, we were to find our room keys in envelopes on tables in reception and could make our way to our rooms to unpack and settle in, before returning to reception for drinks and food should we wish.


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First glimpse of hotel


So far things had gone extremely smoothly, except for our departure from the coach, a little too premature! The coach had stopped, and the doors opened, and as my room-mate and I were directly opposite the centre door, we stepped off, leading the way for everyone else. Someone started shouting in Spanish, and stopped the others from getting off the coach, whilst we stood and stared, puzzled. Finally, someone explained in English that the coach would stop outside a different door where tables were set up with the key envelopes, whilst the luggage was removed from the coach. We had to walk - all of 20 yards! When we arrived at the door, most people had already found their envelopes, so our's were easy to find. We grabbed our luggage and opened the envelopes to find - everything except keys! It took two trips to reception to obtain keys, then we could go to our room. More fun ensued when trying to open the door. After one of us had tried four or five times to open it, the other tried. Eventually, I got a little cross and shoved my shoulder into the door, and I flew into the room. After much giggling, we eventually found out how I did it. It took several practices before we became confident we could get in, especially after a drink or two.

The rooms had twin beds and we all shared with another manager from our area. We have known each other for quite some time now, and all get along together well. A quick examination of the accommodation and unpack the suitcases, changing to suit the climate to feel more comfortable, and a clean up in the en-suite bathroom, before relaxing on the balcony for a short while, drinking in the view. It is now mid-afternoon, and Spain is at it's hottest part of the day.

It transpired that we were not the only ones without a key, or the ability to get in. We helped a few "break in" to their rooms before we went back downstairs to meet the rest of our team.


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Hotel room


We joined the others in reception at the coffee bar, and had the first of many free drinks. We had been issued with an "all-inclusive" ticket in the envelope which enabled us to sample all the refreshments and food available. The food was excellent and wonderfully presented, ordering drinks proved a little difficult for some, as both sides found it hard to understand each other. I had had a few lessons in Spanish phases in the weeks prior to the trip, and helped out where possible. I have since gained more knowledge of Spanish during my stay, which proved helpful when visiting Puerto Banus and Marbella. I am very grateful to the Spanish staff for their patience and assistance with my attempts to massacre their language.

Before long, I had to put my "all-inclusive" card to the test in getting food. The pasta salad on the plane had been tasty, but small, and I was feeling very hungry. I found the restaurant with ease and helped myself from the buffet. Finding a seat was easy, as there were few people there, and I ate with pleasure. There was a wide variety of food available, and over the next few days I tried many dishes. I found nothing unappetising at all. I was only challenged once by the staff with regard to the "all-inclusive" card, which was during my first meal. Once it was shown, I could continue eating and they seemed to remember me, as I was never asked again.

For drinks, you had to sign a receipt with your room number on, which tended to slow down the queue somewhat. Not the easiest way to obtain a drink when there are around 500 guests all waiting to be served, with the obvious language/accent barriers!

There was an informal barbecue on the terrace by the pool on the first night which maintained the standards of food. I had to feel sorry for the chef. The queue for food stretched down to the pool with crowds around the buffet tables, with the chef in the centre with the barbecue. He must have thought the queue would never end, and all the time, he sweats! It was a very warm night and the terrace was covered, so heat was building all the time. After most of us had eaten we were entertained by an excellent traditional Spanish performance. How they managed to find the energy in that heat I cannot say. Then we went on to the night club to dance the rest of the night away.


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Flamenco


After finding there was no more room on the dance floor, I wandered in search of friends who had vanished seeking the toilets. As the hotel is vast, it was easy to get lost until you found your bearings. I failed to find the friends who had disappeared, but found others sitting in the relative cool of the reception area, so settled down with those for a while, until I found out that my room-mate had retired due to over-indulgence and was relying on me to wake her up in the morning at 7 o'clock sharp. There was no clock in the room (presumably, the hotel consider that you are on holiday, with no need to wake early), and my watch had no alarm. How was I going to wake? At home, a combination of alarm and much nudging from other half sometimes fails. Sudden inspiration - an alarm call. Having booked the call, I decided to retire, as it was now 1 o'clock, the flight and the vino collapso having taken their toll.

The bed was very comfortable and it seemed no time at all before the phone rang to wake me. I woke my room mate and sat on the balcony for a while watching the world wake up. It was still fairly dark, and the lights were still lit in the town. As I watched, the lights went out one by one and soon voices and traffic could be heard in the distance. Outside was as warm as the air-conditioned room and very pleasant. Just a pity there was no coffee making facilities in the room, as coffee first thing on the balcony would have been a treat.


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View from balcony


A quick wash and we're ready to face breakfast. Plenty of choices were available, but many people were obviously suffering from the night before, taking the alternative English breakfast choice - coffee, fruit juice and paracetamol. Being British, we were a noisy lot over breakfast, shameful, considering there were more than a few hangovers amongst us. Finally, we drifted toward the conference room, to find seats ready for the serious part of the excursion. The room was fully air conditioned, and a welcome respite from the Spanish heat, which was already beginning to mount, although after a time, it began to feel chilly. The subject matter coupled with over indulgence and lack of sleep usually finds it's victims. Several were spotted taking a nap during the less entertaining periods! Our area manager was absent for the greater part of the morning, having enjoyed "orange juice with a mysterious kick" the previous afternoon, despite grim warnings to all of us about the demon alcohol. He suffered much ribbing about it for the rest of the conference.

There were many laughs during the conference, and there was a Spanish theme to link the different presentations and guest speakers - Manuel from Fawlty Towers (Farty Towels). Before the mid-morning break, we were asked to view some out-takes and vote for our choices. These were very funny. Then we were out on the hotel lawn for coffee and biscuits, for around an hour.

We reconvened for a further hour, and then we were free to do as we pleased. A trip to Puerto Banus had been arranged for the afternoon for those who wished to go, so after a quick change of clothes after lunch, around 120 delegates boarded three coaches bound for the playground of the rich. Once we arrived, we were free to explore for two and a half hours.

Puerto Banus - the Millionaire's Playground - full of multi-million pound yachts, fast, flashy cars and and multi-nationals. We marvelled at the yachts moored in the marina, one was absolutely huge, with four decks. Many speculated on it's price, all I know was the contents of my house could have fitted into it several times over. Of course, when you have the money for yachts like these, you have to have the car to match. Open-topped Mercedes were common, with the likes of Porche, Ferrari, Masserati, and Lotus evident. Not a beat up old banger among them. The views over the bay were fabulous and we watched yachts coming and going for a while, before browsing in the many shops along the esplanada and plazas. T- shirts were in my price range, so souvenirs were bought to take home. With the Euros, you could have a spending spree, with everything imaginable on offer.


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Puerto Banus


Tired of the town, I walked down onto the beach to at least paddle in the Mediterranean. The temperature had risen to 34 degrees, and the sea felt cold, when, sandals off, I paddled. No-one had warned me that walking back up the beach with bare wet feet was not recommended! It was like walking on hot coals, with the ensuing zig-zag hop up the beach using the shade from sunshade to sunshade. A strip of carpet laid out on the beach looked very welcome, but this too was very hot. I kept moving up to the decking, which I was hoping was cooler, but - no. It was just as hot. The hop had become a mad, painful dash as I could see a tiled floor ahead. Tiles equal cool. Not in Spain. A few more yards before finally I found a shaded area of tiles cool enough upon which to rest. Blistered feet anyone? Others were walking quite casually barefoot on the beach, I cannot think how they could appear so comfortable. It was a relief to put the sandals back on, once excess sand had been removed. The feet were dry - boiled dry. I wandered further before meeting up with others, moving back to the pick up point. I didn't see any rich or famous there, but I confess not to have been looking for them. The chances are I had passed them without recognition, I was more interested in the sights.


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beach


Arriving back in the hotel, I went down to the pool for a swim in one of the pools. Due to the temperature, the water felt cold, but once in, it was pleasurable. I have not had the experience of swimming outdoors before, so this was another first for me. Basking in the sun afterward dried me off quickly, then it was back to the room to change for the Gala Dinner.

Whilst we wait for the food to be served, we were given the Best of..... awards. These were all sponsored by the main supplier for each area of store, and were awarded to the best store displays and performance in each section. We have a long way to go before our store gets among the winners. It was good to see that a few stores from my area were awarded. The final award is for the Store of the Year, and, to our delight, a store from our area won! The manager receives £5000 and a free trip to the international conference in South Africa next year. We ended up celebrating with champagne, courtesy of both the area and regional managers.

Awards over, we ate our meal and then were treated to a performance from staff members who had formed to create a vocal group. They were excellent, and thoroughly enjoyed giving their performance as much as we appreciated their efforts. They were finally allowed to leave the stage after several encores around midnight. For those who still had the energy, the night continued with a disco, but most had retired to their rooms by then.

The conference was almost over. Just the morning left in Spain, and then the flight back early afternoon, landing back in Britain by 6pm. Of course, the main thing on everyone's mind the following morning was to purchase some cigarettes to take back. At Spanish prices, they worked out at around half the price. There was just one slight problem - cigarettes in Spain are vended from machines in single packets, and although these machines are plentiful, with around 400 delegates, they could soon be empty. A shop needed to be found. Not that easy as we found that Marbella was closed that day for a local fiesta. The only place you can buy multiple packets in Marbella is a tobacconist, and the shop was not opening that day. Only one thing left - duty free at the airport. Still, it gave us an opportunity to wander around Marbella town in the relative cool of the early morning (24 degrees).


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Marbella


After an hour, we made our way back to the hotel to finish packing and relax prior to the flight. All too soon, our coaches had arrived to take us to the airport and we were on our way home. As the computers had crashed in Malaga airport, we were hoping we could remain in Spain longer, but unfortunately, although we were delayed, things can still be done manually, and we were soon called to board. Clutching our duty frees, we fought our way on, squabbling over window seats, or sitting next to friends. Finally, all seated, we were ready to depart. My seat was the window seat at the very rear of the plane, and I spent much of the flight with my head pressed to the window watching the landscape glide past. This time, there were very little clouds to hinder the view, even over France. There was patchy cloud over Britain, but little to spoil the view. Landing was smooth and the return journey had seemed much quicker.


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Approaching Birmingham


It seemed no time at all until we were waiting for transport from the airport to home. It had been a wonderful experience, and I can't see how next year's conference will match it, much less beat it.

Next year? Well, it will probably be Butlin's in Skegness, and it will be fun - just not as spectacular as this year's. We will be just as keen to get together again and celebrate each other's successes. Here's to next year - cheers!

Regardless of where next year's conference will be, I would very much like to return to Spain someday. The little I saw has whetted the appetite and I would like to see more of the country and a little less of the tourist areas, and I would certainly like to travel by plane again.

Work seems a little less important these days, particularly when I spot a plane overhead, whenever I go outside to move rubbish or equipment. Where ever it's going, I stop to hope they enjoy the flight and their holiday as much as we did, and remember my first trip abroad.


I will return one day - I only hope it's soon.

Liz Green


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