About
I’ve spent over fifteen years in the outdoor industry, specifically in adventure travel. From time to time I’ve tried to maintain what my friends had called a “real” job, but for some reason I’ve been drawn to the outdoors and continue my profession where there are no walls defining my office space or my cubicle – all the more reason why I do not understand contemporary television: I don’t relate to it and I don’t want to. By writing this paragraph I in no way intend to communicate that my lifestyle is better than anyone else’s. I believe the great thing about time on this planet is it allows all possibilities to all people: you have the option to stand on your head or follow the herd. Fifteen years of leading, organizing and executing outdoor adventure travel from hiking trips, to biking escapades, to culinary discoveries, to ski holidays, to wine tastings and kayak outings, have brought me to realize how unique my job really is: I get to play like a 10-year-old, people in their cubicles count on me to see they are safe, and I get paid to do it. I’m a University Professor, a translator, a bike mechanic, a business affiliate, a travel media creator, a chef, a ski instructor, a critical thinker and problem solver. But regardless of my profession, I believe that thinking “Outside of the Box” and truly making it happen for yourself starts from within – from a decisive detachment between heart and mind, when the heart takes over, and the mind no longer follows what is expected of it by societies with their heads in the sand. In the meantime, I will continue to do all of these jobs and write about them here – hopefully for your enjoyment – all the while standing on my head.
Hello-
I’m finding a lot of conflicting information about the carte competences et talents through my net browsing. I’d like to prepare a dossier to apply, but not as an entrepreneur – -so you may not be able to help me– but i have found accounts of people preparing their application to take up a salaried post without actually having a job contract, but rather only submitting the names of people/companies that have expressed interest in hiring them if they receive the visa. The requirements for this visa seem so nebulous, and I am having trouble finding very many people who have shared their experiences in obtaining the visa–so if you have any advice or could direct me to someone you may know who might be able to offer advice, I would appreciate it!
Hello Zach and thanks for your comment. I’ll do what I can to give you a hand, but in the end every project is personal and there is no ‘right answer.’ The general guidelines are the same even though the projects (as well as the consulates) may differ. What the French government wants to see is that you are a professional in your field of expertise, that you have references, that you have some cash on hand to support yourself in the first months you’re in France, etc. If you have job proposals from French business or are looking to freelance in France those will help your project. You can still pick up a salaried post if you can demonstrate that you have the abilities and talents – compétences et talents – necessary for the job. What you write doesn’t surprise me: there is little information on this visa. Please feel free to send me your questions here and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Gabe, Was looking at tour options for 2011 and noticed that our favorite Italian Adventure Leader … was here. I liked your write-up on Kuotas and took notice when AG2R Cyclisme was riding Kuotas in the pro peloton. I built-up a Ridley when we returned from Tuscany but have my eye on a 2010 Kebel in 2011. I think that they are beautiful frames and will let you know how I like it, as soon as I get my “go ahead” card from Val, of course.
I hope this finds you well and wanted to let you know how much we truly appreciated your company and direction last summer. It really was a trip of a lifetime and I’m glad that my first experience abroad was in your very capable hands.
Best wishes,
Russ
Hey Russ, great to see you here my friend. Thanks for your kind words – I have fond memories of you and Val in Tuscany. That was a great trip and I hope we repeat it again someday. Or maybe you can be my guide next year when when I hope to ride the BRAG. Kuota is a quality bike manufacturer of 100% Italian design. They make classy frames that respond well in corners and along descents. My good friend Ale has a Kebel and he loves it. I’m sure Val will give you the “go ahead” if you get her one too!
Again, thanks so much for expressing your sentiments here on my blog. You are very kind and I wish you and Val the best for this summer and for the rest of 2010. Hopefully our paths will cross again very soon. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about Kuota, bike travel or adventure travel in general. And keep reading!