Where in the World?

When I landed in Geneva, Switzerland on Feb. 4th, I noticed something unusual in the immigration line. After standing in line for only a few minutes, I handed my passport to the agent. But, before he even took it from my hand, he looked at me and motioned me through the gate without looking at my passport. That’s never happened to me.

While I was waiting to get gate information for my connecting flight a couple of days later, I noticed something else strange. The airport security guards did not wear a gun. They had a holster but no weapon, but they did have some mace-like spray can. I had no doubt they were airport police, complete with the uniform and insignia. Compare this with Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. The security (army?) personnel carry automatic weapons. Quite intimidating!

So on the day of my flight out of Geneva, I approached an immigration agent again to enter the main terminal. He touched my passport and then motioned me through the gate without even looking at my documents. I asked myself why? It happened twice. I saw the same behavior with several other travelers. I have no answers.

I’m a U.S. citizen and I’ve had many more problems getting into Canada than I had in Switzerland. The agent didn’t even stamp my passport. Is this because Switzerland is a neutral country? Do they have more trust for everyone? I tell you, it sure made me feel that way. I’d like the Canadian immigration agents to take some lessons from the Swiss!

These events made me think a lot about the thoughts/beliefs behind our behaviors. Do the French people have a more fear based belief system like so many U.S. citizens? Is that why we see the automatic weapons display at the airport? Do the Swiss have a much more hopeful and positive view of humanity? Do they (the Swiss) feel this way because of their neutrality conviction? Is that why no weapons are carried in the Geneva airport? I don’t know. It’s all speculation on my part.

How do your negative beliefs affect your perspective? How do they affect your behavior? Most of the time we are not conscious of this “process.” Pick a negative belief and start to observe your behavior, communication and actions to see if there is a correlation. You may be surprised. I know I was.

Hope your day is full of conscious observation,

Michael

I flew into Geneva yesterday and had a co-worker drive me to Lausanne which is situated on the north coast of Lake Geneva. I am staying in the Hotel De La Paix. My room has a spectacular view. When I stand on my balcony I look slightly to my left (east) and see the Swiss Alps. Looking directly south I see the lights of a town called Evian-Les-Bains, France. I witnessed a lovely sunset over the lake today.

Travel is one of the benefits of my current job. It is the main reason I took the position over 6 years ago. But, I would have figured out a way to travel more anyway as it is one of my favorite things to do.

One other great benefit of traveling to places you haven’t been before is that it gets you out of your comfort zone. Continuing with my discussions over the last few days, travel is a great way to help break you of fears, habits, molds, ruts and etc. Changing the old habits, overcoming fears and breaking out of ruts will help you to get back “in the flow.” Being in new places also helps to focus you in the present, which is always where you can find more happiness. Actually it is the only place where you can find happiness.

I’m fortunate to be able to travel to Europe and other places, but it’s important to understand that I had the desire to travel first. The opportunities came afterwards.

So, get out of your house and go see something new or travel somewhere that you haven’t visited before. This one personal gesture will have long lasting positive effects and you never know what kind of adventure you may be starting.

Here’s to the “traveler” in you,

Michael