Fluge Global Adventures

By Nicole Wright, FGA UK SPECIALIST, London, England

On April 25th , 30,000 runners will flood the streets of London, aiming to complete the grueling 26.2 miles that make up the world famous London Marathon. I will be somewhere in those thousands trying to make it to the end without needing to use one of the 500 stretchers that will be on hand to pick up those not quite so lucky to make it over the finish line.

Unlike some people who have a very clear aim of completing a marathon in their life time, I was adamant that a marathon was not for me. I like my 10km races, going fast, getting it over and done with, no hassle of hours of training and feet so sore that you can’t walk the next day. However, in the true spirit of adventure, (something I know Nick Fluge and his Global Adventure team understand well!), when a charity running place needed to be filled urgently I did not hesitate to sign myself up.

So now it is early morning runs before work, track and hill sessions after work and long weekend runs. Motivating myself to run 15 miles on a Sunday morning, a time usually designated to a long lie in or a cosy brunch with friends, is hard I can’t deny it. However, surprisingly I have found myself enjoying all of this, feeling satisfied when I have already completed a long run when the rest of the world is only just waking up.

So in less than 2 months I will be putting all my training to the test and be proudly taking part in the 29th London Marathon, running as part of the UK Youth charity team, raising funds to help disadvantaged young people throughout the UK. Reading Nick’s account of his Portland Marathon experience I know that it is not going to be an easy experience, but where would the fun be in that anyway? I know that I can do this and I look forward to letting you know how it all goes!

Without the FGA team to guide him, Nick has made his way to the south of France to expose himself to the world of art.  Fresh from securing his 2^nd straight Sports Car Club of America road racing Championship trophy in November, Fluge flew directly to the south of France to begin a month of work on various projects that would 'expose' him to the world of art.  Renting a small place in Antibes, near Nice and where the masters like like Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, and Chagall worked  - Fluge set up 'shop' so to speak for the month of December.


Fluge has long proclaimed himself devoid of artistic talent.  However, like some of his other mini-adventures, he decided to immerse himself into the art and culture of Provence to see what result he could emerge with in 2009.  His first foray was in the world of ceramics working for an intense several long days under the tutelage of Pascal Pontet, owner of Ceramic Crea in Antibes.  No doubt Pascal was confused by Nick's questionable French and even more so by his questionable ceramic talents, but she did allow for words like charming and unique in describing Fluge and his work.

Nick mimicking Picasso and Chagall with ceramic work

Next, Fluge began a several week journey in the world of oil painting on canvass.  Here he travels to Nice each day to work with the well known regional artist Benoist Chapel.  Again, a great teacher for FGA's adventurer, but Fluge's work appears challenging at best.  (More vague terms have been used to describe him but with another week in oil, we will see…………………..).

Half way through another FGA Masterpiece

Finally, Fluge has begun a week long study in the world of glass blowing in the ancient famed town of Biot.  Famed for the small bubbles (carbonic) that lie in the glass, Fluge is working at the very building (and in front of the public) that first brought 'Biot Glass' to the world.

Fluge with Master Glass Maker looking on

Stay tuned for a possible showing of humble Fluge works from his "December Period" in early 2009 (assuming the French government allows for transportations of genuine art from their adopted son – Fluge).