Editour

When I wake up, we are already at Husky’s front door. The appointment is at 10 o’clock, so we have time for a quick coffee and breakfast. We are also awaiting the arrival of area representative, Roland Koch, along with Igor Kim from Luxembourg, who is in Moscow on business today.

Once again we are up and about very early, for the first appointment is at 8.30 at Plarus in Solnechnogorsk, some 15 kilometres from Europlast. Plarus, a PET recycling company, is part of the big Europlast group, so it makes sense to interview both Plarus and Europlast itself. A mere 15

After a rapid breakfast, I find myself once more in the Creon conference room. The Creon team of Anna and Sandjar is joined today by Mr Nika Asatiani, the Deputy General Director. As we discussed yesterday basically all the important issues, this morning is devoted to an exchange of ideas and

This Sunday is mainly for Felix and Rolf to sort out their schedule. A nearby garage has agreed to weld a few special parts for their project, whilst I try to glean some vital information. I get a tip from the chief mechanic which will solve our washing problem. As we

We wake up to the sound of birdsong and the ringing of church bells. It is already almost unbearably hot in the vehicle. If only there was a cool river flowing by the Editourmobil where we could go for a dip, I think to myself. But I quickly banish such thoughts

It seems like we’re jinxed. I get up early to sort out my meeting with Pepsi. No joy. I simply can’t get in touch with my contact. What do I do now? After a short brainstorming session we make an inaugural decision to set off anyway for Domodedovo, in the general

Full of anticipation for my meeting with Coca-Cola Moscow, I pour us all a welcome dose of caffeine. We had actually already confirmed the appointment previously, but it turns out that when I phone my contact Svetlana, it is not convenient to meet today so can we do tomorrow? So we

The whole day is spent driving to Moscow. Outside it is stiflingly hot, and I have the feeling that the circulation of the air in the Editourmobil, despite the open side window, has come to a grinding halt. To be able to work comfortably, I settle myself in the “living room”

We have to get up early. Why is not exactly clear, for on board ship we are on Finnish time, which is one hour ahead of German time and one hour behind of the Russian. Confusing. Especially since our ever so clever smartphones and laptops are constantly adjusting their built-in clocks

After an early morning coffee I call my contact at Baltika, to discuss the next steps. It turns out, unfortunately, that today they have no English-speaking personnel and the interview will be have to be postponed for the time being. Not a good start to the day. I talk it over

Our overnight pitch was exceptionally quiet. As we have a little time to spare before my first appointment at Baltika tomorrow, we decide to do a little sightseeing. We set off for the city centre. Here, right by the Admiralty, is something I never thought I would see these days, free