Selling pilgrimages over breakfast

The other day i went to a presentation of a new management training programme that's carried out by our competitors. I must say, it's really an interesting business to be in, especially when you get to see things like this.

First of all, the presentation took place in this cool and hip place called Cafe Moskva. There are only brunettes on the ground floor and upstairs only blondes - i'm talking about the waitresses in this place - but naturally they all look gorgeous in their belt-like shirts and high heels (you guessed right, it's my pure envy talking now). So the second floor lounge was full of VIPs, sitting comfortably on the sofas, enjoying excellent coffee and luxurious breakfast. Lights were dimmed and flamenco was playing on the background.

Then they started. The essence of the programme was a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, combined with some kind of management training which was left unspecified until the end. Maybe it wasn't that important or maybe they we trying to conceal it from those nasty sneaky competitors who are lurking everywhere :) Anyway, the trainer introduced the programme and spoke very passionately about her own suffering and lessons in the pilgrimage. A good story-teller, really. But then at one point she suddenly stopped and looked us with an expression on her face that said: "Now you're in for a real treat!" and continued: "I just have to quote someone who has been my spiritual guide on this road - Paolo Coelho!"

I felt nauseous. Here we go again! I'm so sick of people saying "What would Paolo do?" and stuff like that. True, i have only read one of his masterpieces but i think it's more than enough. In my not-so-humble opinion, this is the result of all those reality shows and talkshows that make people numb, so ignorant that they need the meaning of life to be chewed through and fed right into their throats. Disgusting, you say? Yes, it is! But in a way it's still good. Authors like Dan Brown and Paolo Coelho (with a little help from Barbara Cartland & Co) are probably the only obstacle in some people's relapse into illiteracy. So all good.

Back to the pilgrimage. She continued talking but i didn't really listen anymore. Instead i was people-watching because i needed some feedback. Some looked really sarcastic to my relief. Some were discussing their possible participation in the pilgrimage and how "deep and meaningful" it would be. I think some were actually taking a little nap, and can you really blame those poor exhausted executives for dozing off, or maybe they were meditating. I was looking at the crowd and thinking to myself that it's a hell of a business idea, charging them around 1000 euros for the privilege to starve and walk dozens of kilometres per day in a pouring rain or burning sun. I'm not denying that it's a good way to test your mental strength and survival skills that managers undoubtedly need, but does it have to be done like this? It felt weird to realize that times are changing and we're now in a business of selling pilgrimages over breakfast. Sounds almost like selling modern day indulgences, wouldn't you agree?

Still. There were some ideas that stood out for me. When she described her first real experience of praying (whatever it means), i thought to myself - most people never pray. They beg. There is a big difference. I'm not religious but i think i know what the difference is. Secondly, and this may have been one of Coelho's ideas but it doesn't matter: You get everything that you give up. But the thing is, once you have given it up, you don't want or need it anymore. So what's the point of getting it later...?

NB This picture is here especially for Tûba ;)