Small business ownership requires full on, constant effort. From the moment you wake to the moment you turn out the lights, you need to hustle and perform. When you travel you are likely focused on executing your trip and meetings as well as possible. But, I would suggest that you are missing out on something very important. Travel for business affords you the opportunity to see new and exciting things around the world. I have spent many days of my life viewing the world from behind a window; plane, taxi, train, or hotel. I have traveled millions of miles for business activity. It wasn’t until I was stranded one day from a missed flight that I actually stopped for a moment, picked my head up from my laptop, and thought about where I actually was at the time – Hong Kong. What a truly exciting and vibrant city. I had been there several times before, but always in a rush and with a full agenda. Suddenly on that day, I had until midnight to get to the airport and had a full day to explore the city. This began a life long pursuit of exploration for me, and I am the better for it.

On that day, without any prior planning, I decided I was going to see Hong Kong. All at once. I decided to go to Victoria Peak. But not in a taxi. I was going to do it like a local resident would. So I began my journey at Star Ferry. Not speaking Chinese, I was still able to figure out which boat to use to cross the harbor. The trip across the harbor is not for the weak of heart. The rickety boat can barely withstand current and wave. It wasn’t until about 10 minutes into my ride that I realized that I may be in trouble. I am not the best swimmer to begin with, and the bobbing of the skinny barely sea-worthy boat suddenly made me a bit nervous. I found out later from a local friend, that locals actually never use the Star Ferry. So much for being a local. I finally made it across the bay without incident and exited the boat. Now, what was next. There were no signs and I was on foot. I seemed to be standing on a major road that went uphill, so off I went. Luckily after about a mile or so, I saw what looked to be the sign for the Victoria Peak Tram.

I got into queue for the tram and purchased my ticket. I think it was $10 or so. I waited for the next train to arrive. I failed to notice the angle of the track at the station. The train arrived and I got on. Soon, the train veered backwards as we began our ascent up the Peak. I am going to guess it was at least a 45 degree angle. I felt like I was laying down on my back for the duration of the trip. I looked at other travelers who didn’t seem phased at all, and decided to just kick back and enjoy the ride, and not think about what would happen if the train broke loose and rolled back down the hill with me on it. About 20 minutes later the train stopped its end to end journey. I made it. I got off the train and there were maybe ten other people where I was. It didn’t seem that special to me. Then I turned the corner and went to the viewing platform. It took my breath away. The view can only be described as if I were actually flying like a bird above everything below me. It was eerily quite. I was above a cloud that floated by. Looking down at that moment was one of the most magical moments of my life, and I realized at that moment that this was a gift. I stood there motionless for maybe 15 minutes or so. This was just before phones with cameras so I don’t have a photo to share. Hong Kong is a beautiful city that I would have never seen if I had stayed at the hotel waiting for my flight.

 

When I decided I had enough and had to make my way back to the Peninsula Hotel, which I could see all the way across the water, I went back to the station and bought my ticket. I wondered how I was going to be able to hold on going down that hill. Turns out the train goes down in reverse. I briefly debated the Ferry versus a taxi, and decided to return the way I came and jumped on board yet another small craft. I made it to the airport with an hour or so to spare. Luckily, I was a gold member of Virgin Atlantic at the time and was able to grab a quick shower at the departure lounge. What a day.

Since that day, I have made a point of learning and observing every city I visit on business. Stepping out from behind the glass window to hear the sounds, see the sights, and yes, to smell the roses. When you travel, slow down, take some time to create memories for yourself or else life will be just a blur. Trust me, it will be worth it.