Partner of the Week: Lety Silva

Happy Mexican Mommy !

Name: Lety Silva

Age: 30 years

Partner: Jorge Rodela

Born: in Monterrey (northern Mexico). Lived in Poland, UK for 2 years, Spain where her 2 girls were born.

Children: Paulina (2.5 years) and Monica (10 months).

Favorite song: Amazed by Lonestar. This is the song we danced at our wedding. At my gradiuaton party, Jorge sang this song to me while we danced and i said this is the song i want for my wedding with him.

Y&N: How did you react when you learn Jorge was accepted to IMD ?

LS: First of all, it was  a surprise. He got the call on his birthday, it was his best present ever! I was really happy and proud because it's not easy to get in. At the same time, I was also nervous. I didn't know what to expect of Lausanne. How will it be with 2 children, almost on my own? I was a little bit afraid, but today I'm relieved.

Y&N: Do you feel European after living in Poland, UK, Spain and now Switzerland?

LS: No, I'm REALLY Mexican !!! and I'm really proud of it. I really like the lifestyle here in Europe. The views, the chance to walk everywhere. In Mexico, you go everywhere in the car. You spend a lot of time in the car, but here you can walk everywhere.The public transportation is amazing.

Y&N: Is it better to raise the girls in Madrid or here in Lausanne ?

LS: Maybe it was easier in Madrid, because we speak Spanish. I had a car and they were younger. Now, here with the weather, at the begining it was a problem. Paulina always said « Oh it's too cold, it's too cold, i don't want to go outside ! » But now she loves the snow, she loves going outside.

 Paulina and her bicycle

Y&N: Where do you see yourself next year ? In five years..

LS: I have no idea. I would like to definitely go back to Mexico, but  maybe we'll spend 3 or 4 more years in Europe. Anything can happen.

Y&N: What do you miss the most about Mexico ?

Well, my family, my friends. I talk with my mom and dad everyday on Skype. They like talking with the girls, seeing them. But also the food, the tortillas, elote, the tacos. I usually find stores that sell Mexican food, but I haven't found one yet!

Her favorite food and drink

Y&N: Favorite food or drink ?

LS: As an alcoholic, tequila. I love margaritas ! For me it's the best ! My favorite food is arrachera from Mexico. It is the meat you put on barbecue with guacamole and quesadillas! 

Y&N: Where in Mexico do you recommend we visit?

LS: If you like the beach, the sun then Playa del Carmen. I haven't been myself but my friends were and told me it's amazing. The water is really crystal clear, the views are beautiful. You can have a great time there.

Vamos a la Playa... del Carmen!

Y&N: Do you plan to resume your job? 

LS: Hopefully. We are planning to have another kid. After that, I hope I can start working again. I used to work in Mexico in a company called Danfoss. I was in the purchasing department and worked as a buyer and I really enjoyed. I got to be in contact with a lot of people and I like to talk with everybody. So it was the perfect job for me. I also like shopping!

  

Y&N: The best places to go shopping in Lausanne ?

LS: I don't have time to go shopping but I hope to find some good places soon.

Y&N: Can you tell us a place you like in Lausanne?

LS: Parc de Milan is amazing... The kids enjoy  it a lot ! It's just 2 blocks from my house, so it's really convenient. And also for a coffee, I like the Hotel d'Angleterre with the big terrace you can see the lake and the Alps. I've been only once on a sunny day, having my coffee, looking at the lake, at the mountains. It was perfect !!!

Y&N: Something strange or unexpected about you...

LS: When people meet me, they think that I'm really serious. I don't know why, maybe my face. But I really like parties, really like to make friends, and I really love dancing! I learned belly dancing and hip hop when I was in the UK. I really like dancing a lot to Cumbias, Tex-Mex, I love dancing to this kind of music.

Y&N: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

LS: Happy. Friendly. Responsible.

Y&N: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

LS: The Pope Jean-Paul II. I was planning to go to the Vatican just before he died. If i could have the chance to meet him, it would be great. When I see pictures of him, I just felt peace, calm.

I'm catholic. I really like to follow religion, especially in the season of Eastern.

Y&N: Can you tell us something in your native language?

LS: Estamos muy contentos de estar en Lausanne. Apoyando en Jorge en su MBA y esperamos tener un ano muy bueno con todos ustedes.

Y&N: And something in French...

LS: I've just started my French course this week. Je suis Mexicaine, bonjour, merci beaucoup.

The happy family!

Partner of the Week: Craig Haydon

Funny guy with a big heart who doesn't take himself too seriously, and likes long walks along the lake... ;)

Name: Craig Haydon

Age: 39

Birth Place:  South Africa, but grew up Yorkshire, UK

Profesion : Tutors adults who are unemployed, some who are in rehabilatation from drug or alcohol abuse,  many have disabilities, ranging in age anywhere from 16 to 65 years old. He designs  government training programs to get them back to work. Before this, he managed call centers, worked on cruise ships, was a hotel manager in a resort in Spain, among many other things!

Favorite Song: Queen, Winter's Tale from the Made in Heaven Album



Y&N: You have traveled a lot. Where do you recommend we go?
CH: Egypt. We went on a cruise on the Nile to see the Pyramids. Absolutely gorgeous. It was so magical, because you're cruising at night and you wake up in different places. We were going to ride Camels, but when I saw the camel, I changed my mind and took a boat instead. It was much better!
Brazil is on the top of my list, also.

South Africa is absolutely amazing. I went in 2003, for 2 weeks, but I stayed for 7 weeks. There is a National Safari park, Gruka, is exactly the same size as Wales. It's huge. I went to Johannesburg and did all the west coast, to Cape town, you drive through the vineyards, and then you drive through the desert, and then suddenly you're driving into snow...It's absolutely unbelievable... it's like 20 countries in one...
If partners want to go this year, because MBA students are going to go, I would recommend to go at least one week before or to stay a week after, because you need that amount of time... And your gonna need a tour...and a car... The most amazing place to be in the world.

Y&N: How do you react when you realized that you were going to move to Switzerland?
CH: I am used to moving for work. He told me «Oh, we're going to Switzerland. » «What the hell are you going there?» « I'm gonna do an MBA.» «Why? You are a doctor, why to go into business?» But, I supported him 200%. So we flew here for the interview. And I thought «Oh, this is a wonderful place!». We came at the end of the summer, and it was gorgeous.  But personally, I prefer French people, they are so much more helpful, so much more polite, so much nicer people. But I enjoy Lausanne, even if I get bored. The only thing I don't like here is the dog shit. I am sick of it. In England, you would get fined. You don't see dog shit on the street.  I go for a walk around the lake every morning and my knees are starting to hurt because I have to walk around all of the dog shit.

"Ahh, perfect, right in Craig's path."- Dog

Y&N: What do you think your life will be like next year? In 5 years?
CH: No idea. Not a clue. I don't care where we live. I just want somewhere warm. I love the sound of crickets at night. I would like Adzuan to have a job that we can see each other. In Wales we used to take a car and go to the lake, to the mountains just for a week-end. I miss that. The only thing we do together now is pay bills. On Saturdays we go and pay bills. Also, possibly, starting a new program, and finishing my book. I'm not motivated at that moment to do it.

Y&N: You already wrote a book ?
CH: Yes, it was printed into series in the newspaper, My first book was a murder mystery. I'd like the next one to be printed as a book. I thought having this view (of the mountains and lake) from my desk, the inspiration would come. I have more time to write now but I am thinking about changing the story and for the story to take place here.

View from Craig's Bedroom Window

Y&N: Have you always loved writing?
CH: I love writing. At school, I wrote a short story about my summer break. I was 12 and my teacher told me I was a genius. She told me that my short story could have been printed then because of how vivid my descriptions were, etc. I love to observe and people watch.

Y&N: Do you think your book could be adapted into a movie?
CH: No, it's not good enough. I'm not sure James Cameron would do it. But maybe a series. But Leonardo Di Caprio will have to be in it. And I'll have to meet him. And he will have to be naked a lot.

"I would love to be in your movie!"

Y&N: Can You Describe Yourself in 3 words?
CH: Crazy, even before my accident... Fun-loving and always there for people... Sometimes I do too much...

Y&N: Can you tell us about the accident? 
CH: I got very strange, weird after my accident...13 years ago. It opened my eyes. I was hit by a motorcycle. I almost died...3 times... It took 9 months to recover. I'm completely fine now, but I lost my memories of that day.

Y&N: What is Your Favorite TV series?
CH: The Golden Girls. An American TV show from the late 80's. Four old women that lived together in a house. One is complete slut- she sleeps with anything that moves. One is very level-headed, very strong, she's like a man, looks like one too. Then, Rose, who is naive and finally, Ma, a very strong Sicilian woman, who is the oldest. It's absolutely hilarious.



Y&N: The person you would like to meet...
CH: Freddie Mercury. He was quite unique. I just grew up with Queen. I know everything about him. My favorite album, Made in Heaven, was the one he made just before he died. He recorded it in Montreux, here in Switzerland. The cover of the album is in Montreux. If you listen to the voice, you can't tell this man is about to die. He has such a powerful voice. He was a very insecure, shy man. I saw him during the Magic Tour in 1983, in Wembley.

Loves Queen and everyone in his family loves to sing, including him. 

His mother was a soprano for Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, among others

Partners Video: Happy Valentine's Day!

Love from Chile, Brazil, and Paris*

  "I am in Love with a Viennese" "Wait... I'm Chilean!"

 

Camila and Dino were set up on a blind date by friends. After the first date, Camila thought Dino was OK but did not realize she had already fallen in love. Dino seemed to be very interested but was leaving for business in Vienna and promised to call and ask Camila out when he got back in a few weeks. When Dino returned, he did call Camila, but not to ask her out. To tell her he was in love with a Viennese woman. Even though they had only had one date, Camila felt her heart break and thought she lost the  man of her dreams. A month later, Dino invited Camila to his birthday party and she decided to go. Dino soon admitted that he had made a mistake and the two started dating. Six months later, they moved in together. After ten months together, there was a proposal. Both think the other proposed, but either way, the two were married seven months later in Chile, this November, just before moving to Switzerland!

"Destined to be Together."- Carol's father

Carolina and Gustavo met when Carol was 16. Their parents were friends with each other. The two become friends and a year later, they went to a party together. Gustavo dropped off Carol at her home and asked if he could call her later that night. It was already very late, but Carol said sure. He called when he got home and told her that he was in love with her and wanted to date her. She said yes and the next day, he came to her home to ask her father permission to date his daughter. What a gentleman! The two dated for 5 years, while Carol finished college. Gustavo proposed one day at her family's home-- presumably he asked her father first--she of course said yes. Her father later told them that he had had a dream and always knew they were destined to be together. The two have been married for 2 years now!

The city of Love

Yann and Max met on Valentine's Day during a singles party. After a night of dancing and mingling, the two finally met. Max offered Yann a ride home and they exchanged a kiss and numbers. Max called Yann to set up a date shortly after. They went to the Petit Palais museum, then to a cafe for tea and dessert and later that evening to dinner. The date ended three days later, but their love was just beginning. This Valentine's Day they will celebrate their fourth year together!

*These are just excerpts, to hear more about these stories, set up a coffee :) 

Love from Mexico, Japan and Brazil*

Karen and Juan Martin went to the same university and were only one year apart, but they never met. Juan Martin moved to Texas for a job and Karen to Mexico City. A few years later, Juan Martin moved to Mexico City and was in search of new friends and a place to live. Meanwhile, Karen's friend was married to Juan Martin's friend and suggested that Karen meet with Juan Martin to help acquaint him with the city and maybe find him a room to rent. Karen happened to have a room available to rent in her apartment that she shared with her younger sister and offered it to Juan Martin. The first time they met was when she showed him her apartment. He agreed to rent the room and less than a year and a half later, they were married and moving to Lausanne!

Love And Text

Akane and Mitsuru met in Tokyo and dated for a year, then broke up. Got back together for a year, and broke up. This pattern continued. The last time they broke up, they decided to not marry each other and Akane thought they were over for good. They had been apart for a year and a half since this decision when Akane received a text message from Mitsuru asking her to marry him. She wasn't sure she understood the message so she texted him back to clarify. He clarified, that yes, he wanted to marry her. She responded OK. At the time, the two were living in different cities and Akane was heading on a trip abroad with her mother for one week. It was difficult for Akane to get to Tokyo so, after one more week after her trip, she finally went to see her fiance. It had been 1 year 6 months and 2 weeks until they were back together! Less than 9 months later they were married. They have been married for 1 year and 2 months!

"I Married My Boss" aka Love Letter from Italy

Nicole worked for Exxon with Jonatas in Brazil. She was assigned a project underneath him and soon they became good friends, although they both had already fallen in love, they felt constrained by the work environment to keep it to themselves. She eventually moved into another position underneath a new manager, but in the same department as Jonatas. They continued to be too close to each other at the office to confess their love. Nicole went on vacation to Europe and emailed Jonatas about Italy, a place he loved and often spoke of. He wrote her back an email in Italian and the conversation never ended.  A week after her vacation, the two finally declared their love for each other. Two years later, they were married and now live happily ever after in Lausanne.

*Stories edited for  brevity, for more details set up a coffee :)

Partner of the Week: Alex MacDonald

Spanish loving, British-bred, laid back scientist who loves to have a good time.

"I'm Honored to be the Partner of the Week"

Name: Alex MacDonald

Age: 31

Current City: Madrid for 2 years

Birth Place:  London, in Greenwich, grew up in Brighton.

Partner: Daniel Rincon Met Daniel in Cambridge

Degree/Profession:  Genetics and Masters in Intellectual Property. Now works in a Clinical service – analysis of chromosomes of new born babies and children with developmental problems. 

Favorite Song: Estranged, Guns N Roses

Yann & Nicki: How did you react when you found out Danny had been accepted into IMD?

AM: Obviously very pleased and proud. It's not the easiest place to get into. And excited. He was considering both IMD and INSEAD. So really pleased.

Y&N: Daily life in Madrid...

AM: A lot of people told me that as Daniel would be away for all the year, I should keep myself busy. I carry on working. I work in a laboratory. I have quite an easy time table, until about 3:30 but I usually work a little bit later. I started trying to do lot of things after work. For example painting classes. I give English lessons once a week to one little boy. I have started Spanish lessons twice a week, as well, to try to get fluent. I see my friends and try to keep myself busy. The things that I miss the most about Danny's not being around, is obviously not seeing him. It's really different to come home and not be able to talk somebody about your day everyday, and cooking -I'm not very good at cooking if there's nobody to cook for. So, most nights i have some toast and eggs.

She forgot to mention she's a rock star

Y&N: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

AM: Easygoing...Good-natured... Genuine...

Y&N: Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?

AM: I'll be 36, so I'd like to be still working in my job in genetics, to have maybe gotten a promotion by that point. I would like to have 2 children. Still living in Madrid and I would like to have a mortgage. I'd like Danny to have a job that he really enjoys, challenges him but also allows him  to spend enough time with me and the 2 children.

Y&N: Do you miss London ?

AM: I love London. It's  A wonderful city. I feel more at home in Madrid, maybe because it's more residential. I love the food so much. It's a beautiful place. I miss certain things about London, the sense of humor of Londoners, that's why I get along with Craig so well, he's not a Londoner, but he has the sense of humor. I miss and love things like tea...That's not the same in Madrid.

Y&N: Your favorite drink ?

AM: It's a tie between red wine and coffee. I'm completely addicted to Spanish coffee.

Y&N: Favorite food ?

AM: My favorite meal would be my mum's lasagna. But there's a lot of things in Madrid that I love. Croquetas with potatoes , jamon and cheese.

Y&N: Dinner or drink with celebrity, dead or alive...

AM: I'm thinking of writers that I like, I am between Stephen King or C.S. Lewis...A book called...ScrewTape Letters, letters from a devil to his apprentice and his observation on humans...very true and interesting...My other favorite book is Midnight in the Garden of  Good and Evil... based in Savanah... Yeah... I would have to choose C.S. Lewis... He'd be a good influence on me.  

C.S. Lewis

Y&N: Something strange about Lausanne...

AM: It's a very nice place... Having to pay a permit for your bicycle is a little bit strange. It's quite good to have rules. It's very clean. But maybe it's going a little bit too far. It's so expensive too.

Y&N: Is there a place you really want to visit?

AM: I really want to go and see Costa Rica. I've got a friend in Madrid who just moved to Costa Rica. She met an Argentinean last summer and completely fell in love with him. They have arranged to meet in Costa Rica and try to find jobs together. She left last week. It is the place where people are the happiest. I'd like to do a tour in South America. Go to Easter Island. Machu Pichu...

Y&N: Something unique or interesting about you?

AM: I think people are often surprised by my taste of music. I like rock, Guns n Roses, Metallica... I don't know why... They are also very surprised that my favorite film is Aliens.

Y&N: Your favorite  memory with your partner...

AM: We both differed about our favorite. He says it was when we went around Europe. My favorite was when we went Malaysia. We rented a very cheap hut on the beach, on an island of Malaysia.We went for walks, swimming, and he was scared about the fish saying they were biting him...We used to sit on the little balcony, play cards and spend time with each other while looking at the sea. 

Huts in Malaysia

Y&N: Can you tell us something in French? 

AM: Je suis anglais, je m'appelle Alex. Ou est le gare? Bonjour mon petit poulet! * 




*audio to folow