I have been recruited by Brave New Ventures

Update: Friday 1st June


My Brave New Venture mission has been confirmed.

I have received my uniform in the post. I shall wear it with pride!

"THE CORPORATION HAS FAITH IN YOU. LEAD ON."

I will do my very best and report back here next week. Watch this space!


Update: Tues 29th May

I have received notice that I have been awarded the rank of Chief Information Officer for Brave New Ventures.

"Your work in spreading the message of Brave New Ventures has been nothing short of exemplary, demonstrating extraordinary initiative, ability and passion for the project of which we are all but a small part. 

Working at Brave New Ventures is not always easy. On occasion we are tasked with objectives that stretch us to our limits. You have passed every test assigned to you, and it is for this reason that we are pleased to confirm your role as Chief Information Officer.

Congratulations"

There still remains further induction and as such I have been summoned to London this week. Wish me luck with my mission!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been rather busy this month in one way or another* and since my last post it appears I have been head hunted by Brave New Ventures.

@karenstrunks We are your friends, Karen. To learn more about a role within #BraveNewVentures, respond 'yes' to this tweet. Thank you
— Brave New Ventures (@Bravenewventure) May 18, 2012

“@Bravenewventure We are your friends, Karen. To learn more about a role within #BraveNewVentures respond 'yes' to this tweet” < erm yes?
— karenstrunks (@karenstrunks) May 18, 2012

How intriguing.....

Next, this letter

Dear Candidate,

We are contacting you to inform you that you have been identified as a potential target for a crucial role within Brave New Ventures. 

Firstly, congratulations. Our identification process relies on a number of behavioural and suitability metrics. To have reached this stage is testament to your strength of character, adaptability and ability to communicate. Although you are not yet part of Brave New Ventures, very few candidates reach this stage. 

We are contacting you regarding a role that is of utmost importance to the continued operation of Brave New Ventures.  The success of our maiden voyage is crucial not only to our investors, but to humanity itself. It is imperative, therefore, that we find the right candidate for each and every position. If you prove your aptitude for this task, this role could be yours. 

"Crucial to humanity itself!"

Well, I mean....that's quite important. How can I reject BNV's approach?! And they obviously need my skills, strength of character and adaptability.

I checked them out and found a video about them. A very polished video that raises more questions than it answers.



They 'build the future'!

We all need a future, I'm happy to play a small part in ensuring that we have one.

I successfully completed a secret mission. Don't ask me what it was! I can't tell you. And remember, it's all for the good of the future!

Then I received this communication from Brave New Ventures.

Aptitude Stage One is complete. If you are receiving this message it is because you have been moved into Aptitude Stage Two. Congratulations, not many make it to this stage. 

To have passed the initial stage, you have displayed outstanding ability and talent in spreading the message of Brave New Ventures. We thank you. 

 

Stage Two is the final phase before you are a fully qualified Chief Information Officer. Although 9 job roles have been made open to the public, CIO is the only role for which we are carrying out targeted recruitment. Once you have qualified as our CIO, you will be rewarded. This will be discussed upon completion of Stage Two. 

In order for you to progress to Stage Two, you will need to display discretion, restraint and above all loyalty to Brave New Ventures. If you feel as if these qualities are beyond you, please do not read beyond this point.

Guess what I've gone and done....?! Yep, I've proceeded. I'm in this thing to deep already! It feels like it's too late to turn back.

If you can find out more about BNV than I have managed to so far, please let me know! I see that Brave New Ventures have a Corporate Hub where they are asking people to enroll. Maybe YOU have what they are looking for?!

Within us is the power to change our world. We seek to harness that power for the good of mankind #BraveNewVentures
— Brave New Ventures (@Bravenewventure) May 25, 2012

If you decide to enroll, then I wish you GOOD LUCK!

*This is May Me Month**

**May Me Month is the month I have kept free just for me!! I took the first week of May off work completely, and didn't plan a thing, and I have made no commitments for the rest of the month***

***To be blogged about ;)

  Follow @karenstrunks

Subscribe in a reader

Milan Adventure Part 2 - Things to see and do in Milan!

Sponsored by:

Read Part 1 of my Milan Adventure here!

Where to start?

The Shops! Of course ;)

If you are a dedicated follower of high end fashion or a particularly good window shopper you will love the Golden Rectangle.

Walk along Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via del Corso, and Via Senato and you will be in designer heaven!

You'll find all the big names; Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, D&G, Versace, Armani..... Every shop window had the most eye catching displays.

There is a really nice, if busy shopping centre between La Scala Opera House and Duomo Cathedral (map)

You may enjoy this little video....




The Sights!

I didn't need the regular tourist bus to get around town! I set my own agenda. I have used these buses before in other cities and they are handy for big cities when they cover a lot of ground and attractions.

Duomo Cathedral

Ask anyone who has been to Milan what you should see and I'll put money on it that they will tell you the Duomo Cathedral. And I'll tell you that too!

I'm not particularly into churches or cathedrals, but if there is an impressive looking one in the town or city I'm visiting I'm always drawn into having a look. It's not for the religious aspect, or even the history, but I do find myself amazed at the scale and architecture of these buildings and of all the cathedrals I've seen I would say the Duomo is one of the most impressive.

Every aspect of the outside of he cathedral is adorned with statues and gargoyles.

If you venture inside, then you can admire the stained glass windows...

Light a candle for loved ones and also.....

Check out the dead bodies on display! Archbishops I believe. It's ok, you can only see their hands

 I arrived at the cathedral at about midday on a Saturday and expected a long queue to get in as this place is on every Milan tourist’s must-see list. However the queue was short and moved quickly so I ended up waiting for about 2 minutes. And it's free entry.

What I would really recommend is a trip up to the very top of the Duomo's roof.

That was definitely one the highlights! It costs €10 if you are feeling energetic and take the stairs up. (There are 160 steps. I counted them for you) or €12 if you want to take the lift.

You need to buy your ticket first and you can get this from a souvenir kiosk at the rear, and to the right of the Cathedral. Then take yourself and your ticket to either the entrance for the stairs or the lift. They are separate from each other though you can find both on the left hand side of the cathedral on the outside.

If you get the lift, you can take the stairs down. I would recommend doing this. The queue for the lift to go back down was much longer than the queue for the lift going up and by the time you have waited for the lift you could have waked down the stairs and be enjoying a coffee at one of the cafes over looking the square.

Oh, and wear non slip shoes. Parts of the roof top are on a slope and are very smooth so watch your step!

Another video!




If you are looking for a place to eat around the cathedral, there are plenty of places to chose from.

If you are on a budget and want a good meal try the Autogrill (map). If you are facing the cathedral entrance, it's to the left. It's on the 2nd floor. The restaurant itself is called Ciao. It's a self service cafe with a wide range to chose from; pasta and pizza (of course!), salad, fruit, fish, meats and alcohol. You get a fast service and good food at a decent price. Grab a seat by the window over looking Duomo and the square!

Sforzesco Castle

This is the sight that greets you at the main entrance to the castle.

This is a large historic site that used to be owned by the Duke of Milan and it was built in the mid-15th century. There are four small museums within the complex and it's only €3 to visit them all. I didn't go into them so I don't know what they are like, but suspect they are full of old things as they have an archaeology museum and a museum of natural history too.

I was more taken with this family of wild cats living in the old moat!

Parks

The weather was so perfect that I decided to chill out in Sempione Park which is right next to Sforzesco Castle. The park was really well used by not only tourists but locals as well.

If you are looking to escape the busy city streets, there’s a lovely little park which is just a few minutes walk from Duomo called Public Gardens (map)

I went here twice and although it wasn't deserted, it was really chilled.

Monumental Cemetery

The quietest place in the city!

 If you really want to get away from the crowds and get off the tourist trail, head for the Monumental Cemetery. Yes, you read that right. A cemetery!

I made a little video here too!



I didn't find it a depressing place to be at all! I think because so much thought and care has gone into each grave stone. In a way, not only do these elaborate headstones and mausoleums show an individual tribute to the loved ones that have passed away, but it is also a way for the deceased to show off their wealth after they have gone! Only the rich can/could afford to be buried here.

The air is thick with the scent of flowers. If you wanted to pay tribute, you can buy bouquets from stalls outside the main entrance.

It’s something a little different!

Central Station

As I mentioned in my last post Central Station is worth spending some time in and has some great photo opportunities!

I think I packed quite a lot into my 2 day Milan adventure! It helped by Milan being so walkable and that it has a great transport system. And with such a short flight time of only 90 minutes from Gatwick Airport it's a great place for a short weekend break.

All too soon it was time to go home on my return Monarch flight to Gatwick Airport. When you book a Monarch flight you have the option of selecting a meal for £7.99-£8.99.

This was my breakfast on my way out on my early morning flight.

And  my dinner on my evening flight. Lamb Moussakka, bread, cheese and biscuits with onion chutney and an apple pie.

I liked the variety and for £7.99 I think it's good value for money, plus they catered to my wheat/gluten free diet. It’s handy if you are in a rush in the morning and skipped breakfast, and it will tide you over until you get off the plane to your final destination. If you don't want to book a meal then there are a selection of sandwiches, crisps and nibbles, chocolate, and a range of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks to chose from.

William, one of the cabin crew on the return flight! 

Monarch now operate new flights to Milan from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester airports from March 2012 with fares, including taxes, starting from £35.99 one way (£60.99 return).

Thank you for a great time Gatwick, Monarch and Milan! :) 

  Subscribe in a reader


Follow @karenstrunks