Good morning, and bom dia from a sunny, balmy Lisbon. The local parrots have returned for their predictable early-morning coffee visits, while the banana trees anchoring either end of the terrace are looking a touch weary from the shifting seasons. Amidst this tranquil Mediterranean backdrop, packing is already underway for a brief upcoming journey to São Paulo.
For those who tuned into last week’s column, it was autumn quiz time, offering a lighthearted dive into global observations, travel frustrations, and contemporary cultural quirks. First and foremost, a sincere word of thanks is due to all the participants who obediently observed the strict Monday deadline. Second, it came as a delightful revelation just how many clever, witty readers from Greece tune into this newsletter, performing remarkably well across the board. While no single participant managed to nail all 10 questions perfectly, a select few came encouragingly close, and a couple of others deserve high marks simply for their exceptional sharpness.
Reviewing the quiz provides an illuminating snapshot of what resonates with our readership, touching upon everything from modern restaurant etiquette to corporate bureaucracy and upcoming luxury trends.
The first challenge transported readers straight into the dining scene of the United States. Participants were asked to imagine being in a restaurant with colleagues, fighting off genuine thirst and hunger while watching a revolving cast of staff members weave through the room. After performing amateur acrobatics to secure attention, an apron-clad individual finally approaches, offering a facial expression hovering somewhere between a wince and a smile. The question asked for the most annoying response one could possibly receive. The winning answer, submitted by Eläiza from Riga, captured the universal frustration of modern hospitality: “I’m not your server,” ideally followed by absolute indifference and no attempt to locate the person who actually is.
Sticking with the American theme, the second scenario moved from hospitality to corporate architecture, imagining an arrival at the reception desk of a major tech company. Here, visitors are greeted by a woman projecting an outward facade of smiles and cookies, though she secretly behaves like a distant Californian cousin of a hardened French riot officer. The challenge was to identify the most grating aspect of being “welcomed” at a contemporary US corporate headquarters. Maximin from Paris struck a chord with many by pointing out the absurd airport-security welcome protocol: a rigorous routine involving identification, photographs, digital tablets, security badges, and non-disclosure agreements—all delivered with a radiant Californian smile beneath a sign that cheerfully reads “Welcome.” As Maximin aptly noted, the visitor has merely arrived for a routine meeting, not to defect.
Shifting gears from corporate offices to global fashion trends, the third question tackled the enduring reign of barrel-leg trousers on retail rails. While this voluminous silhouette functions well for those blessed with exceptionally long pins, it routinely transforms individuals under 165cm (5ft 5in) into walking circus acts. When asked how much longer this divisive silhouette is bound to endure, Rebecca from Auckland offered a cynical yet universally relatable truth: the trend will continue until the precise moment she finally gives in and purchases a pair.
Coinciding with the high energy of Paris Fashion Week, the fourth question looked ahead to the upper echelons of the luxury market, asking readers to name the next big fashion house poised to redefine the space. Theodoros from Patras stepped forward with a confident prediction, naming Mathieu Blazy at Chanel as the ultimate driving force for the future of high-end luxury.
Language and corporate jargon inevitably claimed the fifth spot on the quiz, challenging readers to identify the most bothersome, overused term in the English language that stubbornly refuses to disappear from everyday conversation, despite arriving at an awkward angle. John from Philadelphia humorously promised to “lean in on this one and circle back,” perfectly channeling the very annoyance in question. Maximin from Paris added a succinct, rallying plea to the mix: “‘Lean in.’ And now, ‘lean into.’ Can we please stand upright and get on with it?”
Current events provided the backdrop for the sixth question, which examined whether the men who bravely wrestled and restrained a rogue, likely radicalised co-pilot on a recent Flydubai flight were genuine random civilian heroes, highly trained professionals, or perhaps merely extras from the television series Fauda. Lala from Taipei offered a grounded and reassuring assessment, describing the group as off-duty pilots, a plumber, a dentist, and plenty of adrenaline—not quite television drama, but precisely the cast anyone would want on board their next flight.
Expanding on this theme, Dimitrios from Athens drew a parallel to his home country of Greece and Israel, noting that compulsory military service—whatever one’s personal stance on it may be—undeniably equips young people with vital, sometimes lifesaving skills, alongside a profound sense of purpose for themselves and those around them.
Turning from aviation to global manufacturing and design, the seventh question pondered why China, despite possessing immense purchasing muscle and undisputed production prowess, has yet to successfully birth a truly global luxury brand, or whether it has already quietly achieved the feat. Mal from Sydney suggested that one of the country’s prominent automotive brands is on the very cusp of breaking that barrier.
Urban development and hospitality formed the basis of the eighth and ninth questions. When asked where Monocle’s next café would be opening and when, Noor from London and Theodoros from Patras both correctly pointed toward Toronto, with Theodoros specifying a timeline before the end of 2026. Shortly after, the quiz explored the European automotive group rapidly ramping up production to meet surging demand for a surprise four-wheel success story spanning two distinct brands. Though admitting he is not a close automotive follower, John from Philadelphia correctly highlighted Stellantis, driven largely by his wife’s top two vehicular desires: the Topolino and the Ami. He noted that if these compact vehicles ever secure roadworthy badges in the United States, she will be at the very front of the pre-order list.
The final question challenged participants to identify the hottest hotel opening of the fourth quarter, with a bonus point awarded for naming the designer and pronouncing their surname correctly. Noor from London claimed top marks by correctly identifying the JNcQUOI House, designed by the visionary Vincent Van Duysen.
All of the confirmed quiz winners will receive a complimentary copy of Sophie Grove’s newly released book, Konfekt: A Guide to Generous Hosting. Meanwhile, planning is already underway for the next installment of the quiz, which will arrive just in time for the Christmas season. As preparations for the trip to São Paulo continue, life in the faster lane moves forward at a brisk and engaging pace.
