Unexpected business trip to Europe #5

I have never felt the meaning of the word “relief” more keenly than I did at that moment.

Having completed the seemingly impossible task of transferring in just 35 minutes, I no longer needed to worry about anything during the connecting flight. It felt as though I were hurtling down a steep rollercoaster incline, and finally slowing to a gentle clatter as I approached the end.

But little did I know that the rollercoaster would soon begin its ascent once again…

When we arrived at Prague International Airport, we took an Uber to the hotel, which was very convenient. The staff in the hotel were pleasant and friendly, the room was clean and comfortable, and the view from the window was of colorful buildings that looked like something from a fairy tale.

It was almost noon. We were supposed to arrive in Prague last night and visit the client this morning. After explaining the situation, we rescheduled the visit for this afternoon. However, Mr. S, the CEO of our North American agent, who was supposed to be waiting for us at the hotel, was nowhere to be found.

When we contacted him, we learned that he had gone to collect the rental car he had booked before his business trip, and that he would pick us up when he returned to the hotel. However, no matter how long we waited outside the hotel, he did not come back.

When we contacted him again, he informed us that another customer drove off in the rental car that had been reserved for him. As there were no other vehicles available at that rental car shop, he was trying another one, so it seemed it would take more time.

A totally unbelievable situation had occurred in Japan. I’ve never heard of another customer arriving late and driving off in a pre-booked car. After all, the car rental reservation management system is usually designed to prevent such occurrences, and the on-site staff should manage the vehicles properly.

Having been kept waiting, we were concerned that our arrival at the client’s premises would be delayed further.

Then, after about three hours, Mr. S finally arrived at the hotel in the rental car. We hurriedly got in and sped off towards the client’s factory on the outskirts of Prague.

We finally arrived at the site in the evening. Despite the various unexpected issues we had encountered along the way, I felt proud of Sonora’s strong capabilities as a small but highly skilled team when I stood before our global client’s vast factory.

Although we apologized profusely for arriving much later than scheduled, we were excited about this on-site meeting, as it marked the first step towards major overseas business prospects. In a meeting room in a corner of the vast factory complex, we exchanged greetings. Given the limited time available, Sonora’s senior sales manager, Mr. K, tried to begin his presentation promptly.

Then, as he opened the bag on his lap, Mr. K’s unexpected surprising voice echoed throughout the spacious meeting room.

“Gosh! It’s gone! My laptop’s gone!”

It was as if the rollercoaster had begun its sudden descent once again. Gosh!

< to be continued…>