We took last week of because Jim was traveling around Europe for a few weeks
Mark suggests we use The Wheel and Jim explains the 5 components of the wheel
Relationships, Money, Health, Profession, and Worldview
Mark adds the center of the wheel - Self
Mark brings in Worldview
Mark asks Jim about his trip
We discuss how things have changed everywhere
Jim reminds us that Europe has always had wars going on
Jim says America is no longer the big stick and Europe has lost respect for us
Jim was treated quite well by the French - great food and people
He felt the Europeans were more in harmony…
Things and people were lighter, less threatening, easier
Mark says the media exaggerates how bad things are
Americans are competitive, individualistic and
Jim brings sports into the discussion
Jim talks about the difference in approaches to work and life
Europeans Start later, close earlier, linger over meals and take more vacations
Mark talks about work ethic being embedded in the DNA
Mark shares his daughters wanting to linger over meals and not eating fast
Europeans linger and eat for the experience
Europeans socialize and enjoy each others company
Mark misses eating dinner together as a family
Jim cites that corporations have taken over in the US and small business is thriving in Europe
Small businesses are becoming scarce here in the US
Covid accelerated everything
Mark talks about tradition breaking down over here
Jim explains why European roads have roundabouts and we don’t
Jim saw a great deal of young people out and about
In US people are growing old and lonely where in Europe 3 and 4 generations live together
Mark talks about growing up in Boston and the Italian and the Irish neighborhoods
Money doesn’t buy happiness. It creates isolation and complacency
Jim wants to know more about which countries have more than 2 political parties
Mark jokes about American ignorance
Jim wants a third party and thinks it would lessen the division over here
Europeans have their own countries but they’re also European and have figured out how to get along
Mark brings up the Ryder Cup
Jim talks about his visit to the World Rugby Championships which is one of the reasons for his trip
Game comes first and the player comes second - the ultimate honor is to represent your country
Mark brings tradition back up and the activity of taking down statues
Jim brings up the Irish “Troubles” and Mark shares his experience having married an Irish girl
Jim brings up the current situation in Israel
Mark goes off a bit about globalization the pro Palestinian riots here in the US
Mark gives his opinions on Israel and Jim had enough:)
Jim said things have changed but he has too
Jim says he was purposeful about respecting each different culture as he moved from country to country
Mark remember taking public transportation and get off at the last stop of the train and sample the small town off the map places. Genuine and hospitable
Both guys loved Amsterdam
Jim finishes with a story about visiting his cousin in the Swiss Alps by Lake Cuomo
Mark talks about his dad’s family ties in Newfoundland and his desire to visit there
