Who is Bibendum?
1978/9
Apparently Michelin Man, whose official name is BIBENDUM, has been promoting tires since 1894. I found more about Bibs here, a fascinating story of one of the most recognizable brand ambassadors in the world.
That however, is not our story.
We were camped out in the wild. I am not sure which Encounter Overland trip it was, or even which continent we were on. It was one of three, Europe, Asia, or Africa. So that narrows it down!
It was after dinner, and I was sat in the back of the truck with some of the EMs and the conversation moved into advertising and marketing. and then onto brands. The white rubber man came up as a good example of brands. One of the EMs said this was advertising Michelin Tyres. I however maintained it was Dunlop the first developer of the pneumatic tyre. She said she used to work for Michelin so should know. I was convinced I was right and stuck to my guns.
I will point out that things were different in 1978/9. There was no ability to instantly resolve discussions. No mobile network, no smartphones, no Google nor Wikipedia. There was not even an internet or www. Life was slower, and you had to wait for information.
She became upset and left to go to her tent. Later I heard crying. Now, the intention was never to upset anyone. It was just a social conversation. Irrespective of who was right or wrong, it was not worth upsetting someone. The outcome of the conversation had no significant implications. Two trains would not collide, nobody would be late for their plane at the airport, the wrong route would not be taken (no SatNav or GPS either), no one would become injured. So why pursue the conversation to attempt to reach a conclusion. It is better to move the conversation on and let that point go.
Sometimes it is difficult to let something pass that you may feel passionate about, but judge your audience, who are you having the conversation with? Will they enjoy joining the debating society?
I went to her tent later that evening and apologised for having argued with her and upset her. A quick hug and we had made up.
Just another story about people on overland trips. There are the places, the routes, the truck, the hardships, but what really makes the difference is the people.
Oh, and by the way, I was wrong, The white trye man is Michelin not Dunlop. Sorry everyone.
