WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior: Shopping in Detroit, chickens in Miami

by wc

We were in touch with Rafael Urbina as his company was undergoing big changes. Fast-growing Batanga, which he directed until mid-December, has merged with Planeta Networks in an all-stock deal. The two privately held Hispanic media Internet companies will now operate under the name
Hispanic Media, with Urbina at its helm. Since the new firm hadn’t launched yet when we spoke, Urbina talked about his travels on behalf of Batanga,
which offers exclusive online radio stations and streaming media mostly for a Latino audience.

Where do you usually travel?

New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Antonio, Dallas, Mexico City, Caracas and Madrid.

Do you have a favorite city?

New York is the best for me. There is never a lack of culture and energy there, and you’re exposed to people from every corner of the planet. The only time I would rather stay away is the summer when riding a cab or the subway can be less than enjoyable.

What about favorite hotels?

All W hotels are pretty good the people, the gym, the restaurant. I would say the W in Mexico City is the best. The rooms are huge!

And restaurants?

In New York, I have a couple. Shun Lee’s Palace is a great Chinese place and Honmura An down in Soho has the best Japanese food. In Mexico City, Aguila y Sol is amazing.

How do you pass the time on a flight?

I catch up on my reading, especially magazines. Occasionally I get to that long contract. Also, because of the gadget freak that I am, my iPod and PSP [PlayStation Portable] are never left behind.

And when you’re waiting in the airport for flights?

I’m on the phone or catching up on e-mail on the Blackberry.

Do you have a favorite airport? Airport lounge?

The Detroit airport is pretty good in terms of shopping and food. The Admirals Club in Atlanta is nice.

Is there an airport you dread?

La Guardia is pretty bad. I had a flight canceled in the middle of summer because the terminal lost all power.

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

Having been through the process of obtaining my permanent resident card, I had to spend time in the waiting rooms that Immigration runs at most international airports. You get to see a lot of interesting stuff but nothing I’d be willing to mention here.

The best thing about the travel?

Getting to know interesting places and people, eating at great restaurants and, last but not least, sleeping through the night without having one of my kids wake me up.

Do you have a pre-flight routine?

Download all the stuff I can so I can read it offline on the plane.

Ever seen any strange things on your travels?

I once saw a customs official at Miami International Airport pull a dead chicken out of somebody’s bag, feathers and all.

WC