Author: Fernando Arce-Larreta

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North America

A Four-Day Orlando Adventure: Universal Studios and Walt Disney World

We just wrapped up a whirlwind four-day, adventure-packed weekend at Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World, and while we are completely exhausted, we are also incredibly grateful for the memories we made along the way.

Day One and Two: Universal Studios and Epic Universe

We kicked things off at Epic Universe and went all in. We rode everything and soaked up the excitement of exploring a brand-new park. From there, we headed to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, where we hit all the classic favorites. Harry Potter, Velocicoaster, Hagrid’s roller coaster, and more delivered nonstop thrills and plenty of smiles.

Between parks and rides, we enjoyed some surprisingly great food. One night we ordered Uber Eats from a Peruvian restaurant and another from a pizza place. Both were excellent and honestly hit the spot after long days on our feet.

Day Three: EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

On day three, we shifted gears and entered Disney mode. Our first stop was EPCOT, where we rode Guardians of the Galaxy and the classic attraction inside the big sphere about people, history, and communication. It is one of those rides that always feels timeless and meaningful.

Later that day, we moved on to Hollywood Studios and packed in as much as we could. Rise of the Resistance and Star Tours were highlights, and before the day ended, we made our way back to EPCOT to ride Soarin’, which never disappoints and always feels like a perfect reset.

Day Four: Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Classics

Our final day started at Animal Kingdom, where we experienced Flight of Passage and all the Avatar attractions. We went on the safari, saw the animals, and enjoyed a slower, more nature-filled pace that felt like a nice contrast to the earlier days.

To wrap up the trip, we visited Magic Kingdom, fitting in Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Philharmonic. It was a classic Disney ending, even if a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

It was a short trip, and in hindsight, moving between so many parks was a little stressful. Next time, we will absolutely stick to one park per day. Still, we saw so much, laughed a lot, and made memories we will talk about for years.

Now we are home, tired in the best possible way, already dreaming about going back. Not anytime soon, but definitely again in a few years.

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Europe

Week Two at Oxford Flow: Another Amazing Trip to Oxford, England

As I wrapped up my second week at Oxford Flow, I had the wonderful opportunity to once again travel to the beautiful and historic town of Oxford, England. Every trip here feels like stepping into a storybook and this visit was no exception.

After landing, I made my first stop at Chutneys, one of my favorite spots for great Indian food. It was the perfect way to kick off the trip. Feeling energized, I decided to join Buzz Gym at the Westgate Mall which is a great place to get my mornings started right and stay active during my stay.

One of the things I’ve truly loved about these trips is the peaceful morning walks from my hotel to the Oxford Flow office. The blend of old stone buildings, leafy streets, and the lively buzz of the town waking up is something special. Unfortunately, with our upcoming office move, this will likely be my last trip where I’ll get to enjoy that particular commute. I’ll definitely miss it.

The week was full of memorable meals and great company. I had a fantastic dinner at The Permit Room with my colleagues John and Brendan sharing laughs and conversations that made the workday melt away. Another evening, Salvo and I took a walk through the heart of historic Oxford passing centuries-old colleges and courtyards before sitting down to a classic pub dinner at The Turf Tavern. A place filled with stories of its own.

Later in the week, we enjoyed a wonderful team lunch at The Fishes, an idyllic spot just outside of the city, and wrapped up the trip with a great evening at The Perch with Neil and Tim which was a perfect way to close out a productive and inspiring visit.

Beyond the work and meetings, what made this trip special, just like the first one, was the continued opportunity to learn, meet new people, and immerse myself deeper into the English culture. The people here are truly amazing. Welcoming, proud of their rich history, and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s been an honor to experience it alongside them.

I’m incredibly grateful for these moments and excited for what’s ahead. Until next time, Oxford!

Categories
North America

Gratitude & Growth: My Last Days at Flowchem and VPS

As I wrap up my time at Flowchem and VPS, I find myself filled with appreciation, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude. My last official day is April 11, and while change is never easy, this transition is one I embrace with a full heart and a clear head.

Looking back on these past few years, it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who brought energy, drive, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we tackled complex challenges, grew the business, expanded markets, and above all, strengthened relationships—with our customers, partners, and each other.

Whether it was refining the distributor network, launching new product lines, navigating supply chain hurdles, or coordinating global commercial efforts, every project was a masterclass in collaboration and perseverance. I leave this chapter proud of what we built and optimistic about where the team is heading. The foundation we’ve laid is solid, and I know they’ll continue to thrive and push the business forward.

To my colleagues: thank you for your trust, your support, and your friendship. I am especially grateful to those who supported me through the many initiatives—from international distributor partnerships to product commercialization efforts. You know who you are. I learned so much from each of you, and I’m genuinely thankful for the time we shared.

To the leadership: thank you for believing in my vision, empowering me to lead, and supporting my development as a commercial executive. It’s rare to find a place where innovation is matched by integrity—Flowchem and VPS have both.

And to the broader team—please stay in touch. I’m excited to see how each of you continues to grow in your roles. There’s so much talent and heart in this organization. I’ll be cheering for you from afar.

As I look ahead to my next opportunity, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and momentum from my time here. 2025 promises to be a big year—for me and for many of you. I hope our paths cross again, maybe even to build something new together.

Here’s to new beginnings, and to everything we accomplished along the way.

Categories
North America

A Memorable Weekend in Atlanta: Gabriela’s Wedding and Family Adventures

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to Atlanta to celebrate a very special occasion—my niece Gabriela’s wedding to her new husband, Adam. The wedding was held at the beautiful Governor’s Towne House in Acworth, Georgia and it was a picture-perfect day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments with family.

Of course, no trip is complete without some exploring, and we made the most of our time in and around Atlanta. The weekend kicked off with a friendly (but competitive) tennis match with my brother Juan at Dellinger Park. It had been a while since we played and it was great to get out on the court, enjoy the crisp spring air, and relive some of our old matches.

Tanya and I had a great meal at Pollo Primo simple, flavorful, and exactly what we needed. Later in the weekend, we had a wonderful family lunch at La Parrilla, where the food and atmosphere made for a perfect gathering spot before the wedding festivities began.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending time with my parents. We started the morning at the Atlanta Breakfast Club, a popular spot known for its Southern-style comfort food. Watching them enjoy a hearty meal and share stories over coffee was a highlight of the trip.

We also took some time to visit some of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions. Coca-Cola World was a fun stop, full of nostalgia and interesting history about one of the world’s most famous brands. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center was a moving experience, a place that serves as a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s legacy and the continued importance of his message. From there, we explored the Center for Puppetry Arts, which brought out the kid in all of us with its incredible exhibits and classic puppets from childhood favorites.

Before wrapping up the trip, we walked around Lenox Square Mall, taking in the vibrant energy of one of Atlanta’s best shopping destinations. Our last dinner in the city was at Bones, a classic steakhouse with incredible food—definitely a great way to end the trip on a high note.

From the joy of celebrating Gabriela and Adam’s wedding to the memorable moments spent with family, this visit to Atlanta was truly special. Looking forward to the next time we can all gather again!

#AtlantaAdventures #FamilyTime #GabrielaAndAdam #GreatMemories

Categories
North America

A Great Visit to Calgary: Business, Meetings, and Memorable Meals

Calgary always feels familiar yet refreshing every time I visit. My recent business trip was no exception—filled with productive meetings, excellent dining, and another comfortable stay in one of my favorite hotels.

A Warm Welcome at The Westley Hotel

Staying at The Westley Hotel has become a highlight of my Calgary trips. The modern design, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service make it an easy choice. Whether it’s winding down after a long day or gearing up for early meetings, The Westley never disappoints.

Business and Networking in the Heart of the Industry

This trip centered around key meetings, including an insightful discussion at the Calgary Petroleum Club and a productive session with TC Energy. Calgary remains a vital hub for the energy sector, and engaging with industry leaders here is always valuable.

A Culinary Tour of Calgary

No trip is complete without exploring Calgary’s fantastic food scene. I kicked off my mornings with excellent breakfasts at Fonda Grill, a great spot to start the day right. Lunch at Tandoori Grill provided a flavorful break with its authentic Indian cuisine.

For dinner, Buchanan’s delivered as always with its classic steakhouse experience, while Salt Lick was another standout—great food, atmosphere, and a perfect way to wrap up the trip.

Always a Pleasure to Be Back

Beyond the meetings and meals, there’s something about Calgary that keeps bringing me back. The energy, the hospitality, and the people make every visit worthwhile. Looking forward to the next one!

Categories
North America

Mardi Gras in Lafayette: A Weekend of Food, Festivities, and Soccer

Mardi Gras in Lafayette is a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and, of course, incredible food. This year, we packed our weekend with classic Cajun experiences, delicious eats, and an unforgettable ending at a Dynamo vs. Inter Miami game.

Friday Night – Po’ Boys and a Cozy Stay

Our weekend started with a stop at Darrell’s, where we indulged in one of their legendary po’ boys. The roast beef with gravy was everything we hoped for—messy, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick off our Louisiana adventure. After stuffing ourselves, we checked into Hilton Parc Lafayette, our home base for the weekend. The hotel’s comfortable atmosphere gave us the perfect place to rest up for the festivities ahead.

Saturday – Exploring the Best of Cajun Country

We started our morning with a classic Lafayette breakfast, fueling up for a day of exploration. The first stop was Avery Island, the home of Tabasco. Walking through the pepper fields and learning about the history of this iconic hot sauce made us appreciate the spice even more. The lush jungle gardens and wildlife gave us a taste of Louisiana’s natural beauty.

Lunch was a treat at St. John Restaurant, where we enjoyed Cajun classics like crawfish étouffée and gumbo. Nothing beats the rich, comforting flavors of well-made Louisiana cuisine.

After lunch, we took a scenic drive to Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. The peaceful, swampy landscapes were a nice contrast to the lively Mardi Gras energy. It was the perfect spot to stretch our legs and soak in the natural side of Louisiana before heading back into town.

Back to Lafayette – Coffee, Parades, and More Food

No trip is complete without good coffee, so we stopped at Rêve Coffee Roasters in Lafayette. Their locally roasted beans and cozy vibe made for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up before heading to the highlight of the weekend—the Mardi Gras parade!

The streets of Lafayette were packed with energy. Floats rolled through, beads flew through the air, and the spirit of Mardi Gras was alive and well. The music, dancing, and festive atmosphere were exactly what we came for.

After the parade, we ended our night with a fantastic meal at Prejean’s. Their seafood gumbo and blackened redfish hit the spot, making for the ideal closing meal in Cajun country.

Sunday – Buc-ee’s and Soccer in Houston

Before heading home, we made a necessary pit stop at Buc-ee’s—because no road trip through the South is complete without one. Stocking up on snacks and souvenirs, we hit the road to Houston for the final highlight of the weekend: the Dynamo vs. Inter Miami game. Seeing some of the biggest stars in soccer and feeling the electric energy of the stadium was the perfect way to cap off an incredible trip.

From mouthwatering Cajun eats to scenic bayous and the thrilling spectacle of Mardi Gras, this weekend in Lafayette had it all. Until next time, Louisiana—Laissez les bons temps rouler!