Author: Fernando Arce-Larreta

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North America

Italy, One City at a Time

Italy welcomed us the way it always does, with beauty layered on history and moments that slow you down without asking permission.

We began our journey in Florence, a city that quickly felt like home. One of our first stops was the San Lorenzo Market, where the energy, food stalls, and craftsmanship pulled us right in. We picked up a few leather goods, the kind that feel timeless and personal.

From Florence, we rented a car and headed into Tuscany. The drive alone was unforgettable. Rolling hills, vineyards, and quiet roads set the tone as we explored San Gimignano and Volterra. That evening, we had a wonderful dinner at Fattoria Lavacchio, where farm to table food, local wine, and the setting itself made the experience special.

Back in Florence, we immersed ourselves in art and architecture. Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is always powerful, and the Uffizi Gallery delivered masterpiece after masterpiece. We climbed Giotto’s Bell Tower, earning panoramic views of the city and a deeper appreciation for its history.

Food became part of the rhythm of each day. Great pizza, pork steak, incredible coffee, and long meals reminded us why Italy does simple food so well. We visited the Pitti Palace and walked the elevated corridor above the Ponte Vecchio, a unique and memorable way to experience one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks.

From there, we continued on to Rome, where history feels alive at every turn. Walking around Vatican City during the Jubilee celebrations was unforgettable. The city was filled with young people celebrating World Youth Day, and witnessing Pier Giorgio Frassati being named a saint was especially meaningful, given our personal connection to his story.

We explored the Jewish district and stayed in Trastevere, in a former convent turned hotel that once served as a filming location for Woody Allen. Evenings in Trastevere were some of our favorites, walking the narrow streets at night, enjoying great dinners, and simply watching the city move around us.

We visited Santa Cecilia in Trastevere and spent an unforgettable afternoon at the Borghese Gallery, one of my favorite places in the world to experience art. Dinners near Campo de’ Fiori capped off long days filled with walking and discovery.

No visit to Rome feels complete without standing inside the Pantheon, wandering the Roman Forum, and taking in the scale and history of the Colosseum.

It was only a few days, but Italy has a way of giving you more than time would suggest. Florence grounded us, Rome inspired us, and the moments in between reminded us why we already hope to return soon.

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North America

Oxford and London

Our time in England began gently and intentionally in Oxford, a city that feels like it was built for reflection, conversation, and wandering without an agenda.

While I spent time in Oxford, Tanya ventured into the Cotswolds, where rolling hills, stone cottages, and quiet lanes delivered exactly the kind of calm the countryside promises. One of the highlights of her day was visiting Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Walking those grounds felt like stepping into history, layered with beauty and perspective.

Back in Oxford, we made time for the arts and saw a play at a local theater, an intimate experience that fit the city perfectly. Earlier that day, I visited one of Oxford’s legacy suit makers and had a suit tailored. There is something grounding about craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. It felt like taking a small piece of Oxford with me. The day ended with excellent food, long conversations, and a few Flow meetings woven naturally into the rhythm of travel rather than interrupting it.

As Tanya continued exploring and getting to know Oxford on foot, we both appreciated how walkable and human the city feels. It invites curiosity without rushing you.

From there, we made our way to London, where the energy shifts but the magic remains. One evening highlight was watching Six, a bold and clever production that brought history to life in a completely unexpected way.

After the show, we walked through London at twilight, passing Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The city at night is something special. The lights along the Thames, the quiet confidence of the landmarks, and the soft hum of the city made it feel timeless. Walking London in the evening is an experience that never disappoints.

We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria London, which offered the perfect mix of comfort and classic elegance. It was an easy and memorable way to spend our final day before heading onward to Italy.

Oxford gave us depth, London gave us wonder, and together they set the tone for the next chapter of our journey.

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North America

A Memorable Journey Through Singapore and Malaysia

Our recent trip to Asia took us through Singapore and Malaysia, and it was a wonderful blend of family time, cultural discovery, and work.

We began our journey in Singapore, a city that never fails to impress with its energy, cleanliness, and diversity. One of our first stops was Gardens by the Bay, where we walked through stunning landscapes and futuristic architecture that truly make the city feel one step ahead of the world. We enjoyed lunch at Marina Bay with incredible views, followed by a relaxing river boat tour that gave us a unique perspective of the city skyline and historic districts.

We stayed near Orchard Road, which was the perfect base. Between meetings and sightseeing, I had lunch with customers and spent time visiting an industrial island where many major companies are located. While I handled work commitments, the family enjoyed exploring on their own, including a visit to the zoo and time discovering the city at their pace.

Food was a highlight throughout the trip. We had lunch at a local hawker center, sampled incredible regional dishes, and enjoyed how easy it was to experience authentic flavors everywhere we went. We also visited a museum and made time for some fun at Universal Studios Singapore, which was a great experience for the whole family.

From Singapore, we continued on to Kuala Lumpur, where we stayed at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. The hotel was a perfect place to unwind, especially after long days of exploring. The family enjoyed swimming at the pool, while we all spent time visiting malls, local markets, and touring the city to take in its vibrant culture and architecture.

This trip was a meaningful balance of work and family travel. While I handled meetings and business visits, the family immersed themselves in new places, experiences, and cultures. Together, we created memories that made the journey truly special.

It was a great visit to Asia, one that reminded us how rewarding it is to explore the world together while staying connected to both family and work.

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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!

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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.