I travelled from New York to Lisbon for a meeting with our Portuguese division. Due to a lack of better options, my flight landed at 8:15 a.m., even though my meeting was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. And, with nearly three hours to spare, I anticipated a dull wait ahead of me.
When I cleared customs, I was warmly greeted by my chauffeur Amandio, well-groomed and holding a sign with my company logo. He promptly took charge of my luggage and confirmed our destination, noting it would only take twenty minutes to reach the office. I couldn’t help a slight sigh at the long waiting time I would have to endure. And then Amandio came to the rescue: he suggested a stop at my hotel first, allowing me to freshen up before the meeting.
I gratefully accepted. My chauffeur led me to an impressive Mercedes EQS, handling my luggage with ease. He then drove me to the Four Seasons Hotel, where I managed to check in early and take a refreshing shower. Feeling full of energy, I returned to the lobby, where Amandio was patiently waiting, his presence unobtrusive yet reassuring.
We then proceeded to the office. We arrived with ten minutes to spare, giving me time to collect my thoughts and prepare for the meeting. Free from the burden of my luggage, I felt composed and ready for the day’s task. Just before stepping into the building, I texted my assistant to ensure Amandio would be my chauffeur for the return trip, knowing his attentive service had transformed what could have been a tedious wait into a refreshing morning.
“Attentiveness and care can turn a mundane wait into a moment of tranquillity and preparation. I strive so that every journey is both flawless and untroubled.”