If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen a reel I published a couple of weeks ago where I was dashing to an eleventh-hour extraordinary meeting in Geneva. I wanted to take a moment to log the event, as it’s something which, in over twenty years of interpreting, has never happened to me before!
As an interpreter, you must always be ready for whatever comes your way. The ability to think on our feet whilst remaining unflappable is one of an interpreter’s most useful skills! However, an emergency meeting is something I’ve never been asked to attend before and I was caught a little off-guard when the text message came through, mistakenly presuming my work was finished for the day!
Fortunately, in my most girl-scout way, I had most of my necessary items with me, and just needed to return to the hotel for a quick change. I made the Instagram reel as I was walking, to record this unique event, and I hope you enjoy it! Don’t judge me though, it was all a little hectic and rushed, but getting the adrenaline pumping is not always a bad thing!
As Oscar Wilde said, “To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect”, and I think from now on I will never completely relax at an event until I’m on the journey home!
Have you ever had any unexpected events arise? How did you cope with them? I’d love to hear your stories!