Source: http://worldcityweb.com/home/MIA/publications/magazine/36/743/

Sky Warrior

by WC: Down under and Beyond

Jordi Cata has a long history in the export-import world, and now he’s leveraging his on-the-ground experience as a consultant. His Miami firm, Export Sales Group, helps companies forge international alliances and fine-tune their logistics strategies. Cata wants South Florida companies to look beyond Latin America to other markets, including Asia and the Middle East. He also advises foreign firms trying to penetrate the U.S. market.

How often do you travel?

It varies from year to year. And the length of each trip is different whether traveling domestically, or in Europe, where you can go and come back in a week, or in Asia- Pacific, where it makes more sense to spend at least two weeks, especially when you include Australia.

What was your longest trip?

Eighteen countries in 45 days.

What are your most frequent destinations?

Europe Spain, France, Switzerland and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Jordan and Egypt. In Asia, my destinations are Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

And your favorite destination?

Sydney, Australia. It’s probably the most beautiful city in the world. It has a very good business climate and marvelous, easy-going people.

Do you have a favorite hotel?

Hotel Arts in Barcelona, Spain. They have never said “no” to me.

What about favorite restaurants?

Without the shadow of a doubt, the best casual restaurants with the freshest local food. They’re extremely hard to find on your own. Usually your local agent or your client takes you there, especially if you stress that you do not wish to be entertained at a fancy international restaurant.

What about at the airport before takeoff?

This is the hardest for me. I used to cut it really close. With security measures being what they are today, I cannot avoid spending more time at airports, something I detest. There is no good way to pass the time waiting for your more-often-than-not delayed flight.

Do you have a favorite airport?

I have two: Zurich in Switzerland for its efficiency and Singapore for style. There are few airport concourses in the world graced with orchids.

A favorite lounge?

The Virgin Atlantic business class lounge at Heathrow. You almost forget you’re in an airport waiting for a flight.

Is there any airport you dread?

Two: JFK for congestion and Milan, Italy, for fog in the wintertime.

What’s the zaniest thing that’s ever happened on a trip?

A kangaroo followed my wife and me in Australia and insisted in having a conversation with us. (I have the picture to prove it.)

Do you have any pet peeves about travel?

The worst is having paid upwards of $10,000 for my ticket and being treated by the airline staff like they’re doing me a favor.

Your best travel tip?

Never forget the electrical adaptors. It’s pretty hard to be in Ho Chi Minh City and find one.