Special Award

Grand Circle Travel

Bridges

10 September 2010

A SPECIAL AWARD IN ARGENTINA

by Pedro Porqueras, Senior Trip Leader in Argentina

The year 2010 was one of the most difficult ones for all of us in the Argentina & Chile region!  On February 27^th a massive 8.8 earthquake hit Chile and moved the axis of the Earth! Twenty Program Directors & Trip Leaders from both sides of the Andes were on the road at that time. 

We were already a very strong group, with strong links of friendship among us, but from that experience we come out as an even stronger TEAM!

Shortly after the earthquake, when we were starting to get over the aftershocks of such a life changing experience, news reached us that a dear friend from a ranch in Patagonia, one that we all visit in our programs in the area, had died in a terrible aviation accident.

His name was ALASTAIR WHEWELL and to us he represented friendship like no other and, because of this, we established an award in his honor. 

I started working as a local guide for GCT in Buenos Aires back in 2003. At the time the company was just starting up in Argentina & Chile and I really liked the “new” ideas it was introducing, such as Learning & Discovery “Going Where Americans Don’t Go!”  

NICK TOZER was to be one of my first Program Directors, and it turned out to be an experience that would simply change my life and that of most other then local guides and now Program Directors and Trip Leaders!

Nick was born in England and he always mentioned that the reason why he chose to stay in Argentina was the people. His stories about the darkest times in Buenos Aires during the military dictatorship and later as editor of the Buenos Aires Herald, his memories of the 1982 Falklands War will always be in my mind. Nick is also the first and only foreign member of National Academy of Tango of Argentina. 

One day, while talking after working together on one of the many city tours and transfers we did together, Nick suggested that if I wanted to grow I should take the risk and think about doing a trip to Antarctica! He told me that he would support me and help me on this big step!  HE DID!

Many seasons have since gone by! We now are 45 Program Directors & Trip Leaders in this region leading four separate programs to the most diverse and spectacular places in my region. 

Nick was simply the starter and he is still the main supporter of our team.  He taught us almost everything good we do today. He shared his knowledge and his Best Practices to help us on the road from the very beginning and he encouraged us to be generous, honest and above all, professional.

On August 18th, at the end of our annual training in Puerto Varas, Chile, all this region‘s  Program Directors & Trip Leaders voted for the BEST TEAM PLAYER for the first time! We wanted to give our recognition to that colleague and friend who has demonstrated that he or she truly cares for the team. 

It is our way of recognizing someone who is always ready to give advice and help out, whether when dealing with difficult travelers on the road or giving support when dealing with a difficult personal situation. It is recognition to who is ready to celebrate our personal or professional successes. It is simply, our recognition to THE BEST TEAM PLAYER among us. 

This year’s ALASTAIR AWARD was given to NICK TOZER. 

The winner of the ALASTAIR AWARD does not get any prizes in money or pins or a certificate with his name. The winner simply gets all the recognition, the affection and love from all his colleagues!