The following example contains more than 350 words and 2200 characters:

I studied International Law at the University of Leiden (the Netherlands) from 1979-1984. I specialised in air- and space law, diplomatic law.

After spending almost two years in the army as a drafted officer-cadet, I started as a management trainee with the Netherlands Reinsurance Group (part of the ING financial group) in 1987. I was Account Manager with responsibility for market development in 9 European countries.

After 4 years I switched to ReMark, as European Business Development Manager. ReMark is internationally successful in Direct Marketing and database marketing projects for financial institutions. I did market research- and development, sales, product development and account management in several European countries.

In 1997 I started in a new branch: Customer Loyalty, as Manager New Markets with TCC in Utrecht.

I left employment in 2000, and founded BRIGHT Marketing Solutions & Partners, a firm specialised in Marketing and Customer Relations Management. The services we offer include interim management, marketing strategy and tactics, Customer Loyalty, Trade Incentive Programmes, Direct Marketing, project management, fund raising and sponsorships.

During my studies and in my career, I have been freelance journalist for several professional magazines.

From 1987-1991 I was a board member SHK (Foundation Homosexuality and Armed Forces), spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense. This was the first such institution of its kind in the world.

Early 1987, in the timespan of just a month, I started my first job, had my first car, rented my first home, had my coming out AND met the man I still spend my life with now...

In 2000, I made my first trip to Australia, to visit the Mardi Gras. Arriving there, I felt at home immediately and fell in love with the wonderful land that is Oz. I have been back a number of times. Having conquered the perception of distance, I can really find almost only positive things. In 2002 I had the pleasure of introducing my boyfriend to Australia, on occasion of the Gay Games. Unfortunately, 2003 is an Ozless year :-(

I speak Dutch, English, German, French, Russian and Spanish, and have a basic knowledge of some other languages, like Portuguese and Norwegian.