Curiouser and Curiouser
Some months ago, I received a mysterious invitation, the origins of which I have yet to fully understand. At the stroke of seven in the evening, I was to arrive outside a Tesco supermarket, close to the river in London. There, I would be greeted and given my further instructions.
On time, and with a sense of trepidation, I arrived by taxi, in a mist of drizzle. True to the invitation’s word, by the shop door stood a short young lady. She carried a sign, on which was written a two digit number. As I approached her, she gave me a quick nod, before turning on her heels and disappearing up a narrow alleyway, to the right hand side of the building. I paused for a moment, then followed her, and within minutes we had come to a halt outside what seemed to be a large apartment building. Once through the doors, my silent guide summoned a lift, and we stepped inside together as she pushed the button which would lead us to the top floor. Except that, no sooner had the button been pressed, than she stepped from the lift and was gone. I took a deep breath and waited for the doors to open.
What greeted me on the top floor was a stunning sight to behold. The most gorgeous penthouse apartment I have ever seen, with breathtaking views spanning a moonlit London. Glancing to my right, out and over the river, I had almost failed to notice a butler, dressed in black and white, holding a tray of champagne glasses.
Who I met and what was discussed that night I cannot share. Amongst their number were, without doubt, some of the most interesting and influential people I have met this year. At the end of the evening, our low-profile host bid us farewell and gave us each a single, golden key. That key unlocks the door to the venue of the next gathering. Where and when that will be remains a complete mystery…
In the meantime, I have been having a think about international organisations worth exploring;
InterNations is the Global Community for Expatriates and Global Minds
Eurocircle is the European Networking Community
Sandbox is a yearly conference for talents under 30 from all over the world
A Small World is a private online community, which is designed for those who already have strong connections with one another.
Renaissance Weekend is a private, invitation only retreat for leaders in business and finance, government, the media, religion, science, technology and the arts.
The Bilderberg Group is an unofficial annual invitation only conference of around 130 guests, most of whom are persons of influence in the fields of business, media and politics.
Finally, I am excited to read that the British American Project, of which I am a fellow, makes it onto this list of ‘low profile institutions which need to be studied in more depth’. Verrry Interrresting…