National Geographic Store in London

I was in London this week and after the our meetings were over, I was able to rush out and catch the amazing vibe in the streets as people from around the World were celebrating the royal wedding. On my walk back to the hotel I went into the National Geographic London Store. I had read about it but this was my first time visiting one.

Stretching a brand into a completely different category is not an easy task. I was delighted to see what a wonderful retail and café experience they were able to create. I have always been a huge fan of Nat Geo's media properties and my daughters enjoy National Geographic Kids which I bring back from my trips.

London is such a fascinating city in so many ways. I particularly find it a great place to see different retail concepts.... always something new to explore.

Looking for more family moments...

As the father of two children, I find my self looking for more ways to create family moments. With our 12-year-old's increasing interest in technology and my business traveling, finding ways to connect has become particularly important for me and is a feeling that, in certain ways, is influencing my shopping considerations.

So, I was very happy when I received an e-mail from our younger daughter while I was in Miami this week asking me to go to Williams-Sonoma (which unfortunately we don't have in Brazil) to look into a gift she was suggesting for Mother's Day. She had gone online, found a product called Zoku Quick Pop Maker she thought her mom would like and saw some tutorial videos on all the cool ways to make popsicles. It sounded like a good project for the family on a Sunday morning. So, sure enough I went to the store and bought the equipment and a recipe book.

This morning, un-boxing, reading through the instructions with them and planning tomorrow's first production was already very fun. Simple family connctions.... those are the priceless moments I'm looking for these days.

Cannes Lions 2011

Yupeee! Today I received confirmation of my 2011 Cannes registration.

Can't wait to spend a week immersed in stimulating brand campaigns from around the world.

Traveling with Kids

One of the most rewarding experiences for my wife and I is traveling with our daughters. We all learn on so many different levels and I believe we're providing our girls a wonderful window to the World. This year, we are focusing more on Brazil. We loved the Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul) and its amazing biodiversity and now we have trips planned for Tiradentes, Rio and the magnificent Iguaçú Falls.

One of our good friends from Coral Gables is planning to visit all 50 U.S. States with her five kids. I can't wait to follow her adventures and learn from her experience on a blog she's planning to write. On my flight to Mexico, I read a great article on Condé Nast Traveller called Perrin Report: The A to Z Guide to Traveling with Kids with so fun tips on how to make the most of your next Family vacation.

Our 9-year old snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Rio Sucuri - Bonito, Brazil