Bernard received the exciting news in September. It was discussed that they are invited to a two-day Client Care Workshop and Sensei’s Christmas Party in Melbourne.
Initially, only three of the four Philippine consultants were set to attend due to budget constraints. However, to his delight, they later learned that all four would be flying to Australia, turning the preparation phase into a celebration.
The trip was set in motion without significant hurdles, thanks to Missy’s smooth assistance with visa processing.
Exploring Melbourne
Bernard landed in Melbourne on the 12th of December 2024. Despite a long flight, he and the team headed directly to Sensei’s new office to meet their colleagues for the first day of the workshop. It was a busy and productive start of the trip, capped with a much-needed rest at their hotel.
Melbourne’s vibrant culture didn’t disappoint. During their free time, Bernard and the team explored iconic landmarks near their hotel, including Flinders Street Station, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hosier Lane Street Art, Fed Square, and Evan Walker Bridge.
The group also visited Queen Victoria Market for souvenir shopping and enjoyed meals featuring cuisines from around the world. They also attended Sensei’s Christmas Party at the Slate Restaurant Bar in Goldsborough Lane. Even a small hiccup with delayed luggage in Singapore couldn’t dampen their spirits—it just gave them an excuse to visit a local department store!
Workshops, Parties, and Unforgettable Moments
For Bernard, his trip’s highlights were the workshop and Christmas Party. The workshop offered valuable insights into effective client communication, while the party provided a chance to relax and bond with the team. Meeting the clients and Melbourne colleagues in person was a warm and welcoming experience. “Almost everyone tried to speak with us to know us better,” Bernard recalled.
The diversity of cuisines in Melbourne was another standout feature of the trip. From Korean to Chinese, Thai, and American fare, Bernard enjoyed the culinary variety Melbourne had to offer, joking that they weren’t sure they’d had an “authentic Australian cuisine” due to the city’s multiculturalism.
A Fresh Perspective After the Trip
The trip wasn’t just about work and sightseeing; it offered Bernard a new perspective. He was struck by Melbourne’s inclusive and nonjudgmental culture, where diversity is celebrated. “I love that they have a welcoming/diverse culture in which they don’t judge you,” Bernard reflected, appreciating how the experience broadened his understanding of people and environments.
Though the connecting flights and short stay were tiring, Bernard left Melbourne with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. Dancing freely at the party, breathing in Melbourne’s fresh, crisp air, and meeting the people behind the screens all contributed to an enriching and memorable experience.
Bernard’s journey to Melbourne wasn’t just about learning and connecting; it was a celebration of culture and camaraderie.
