On the plane to Holland, I started reading 'E-Myth Mastery' by Michael Gerber (not related to me), which was recommended to me by Martin Claxton ( http://www.attractit.co.za/ ). My boyfriend surprised me by giving me that book at the airport, beautifully inscribed. He was helping me so much to get ready for the trip and helping to calm my nerves. We had some going away treats - muffins and coffee - at the airport.
The enormous engines of the airplane were very impressive, so I took some pictures... I took so many pictures that by the time I was in the plane, my batteries were flat. So I will take pics of Schiphol Airport and the road there on the return trip.
The flight-time went by really fast, I kept myself busy by reading and watching the travel information and a movie... the Golden Compass and luckily some kind of sleeping was possible too. So in the morning when we landed, I was energised and eager to get to know everyone I would be working with.
Ronald met me at the airport and he took me on a tour of their convention centre - http://www.seats2meet.com/ - and their other meeting facilities, all the while discussing the city and all kinds of interesting topics. Their facilities are exquisitely designed - incorporating art and each meeting room captures a certain mood, meeting style and inspirational business metaphors.
And then I met the CyberDigma (http://www.cyberdigma.nl/) team, with whom I will be working during my stay here in Utrecht. Guido, my co-ordinator, informed me on their project activities and how they do things. They have a large open plan office overlooking the station. One of the ladies can speak almost fluent Afrikaans! They all were very friendly and made me feel right at home.
This first day at the office was also my birthday... which was something that hardly crossed my mind, until I received a birthday wish via email. The Cyberdigma team somehow caught on that it was my birthday and sang 'happy birthday' to me and they organised apple pie to celebrate. No wonder - their motto is "Each day is a celebration". - Cada Día Es una Fiesta... http://www.cdefholding.nl/
When the workday was done, Marielle took me to my really gorgeous place of residence. I was going to settle in and so forth, but then my body had other plans for me. I became ill for about 26 hours, ...those of you who have gal-bladders that interfere with their lives, will know what I experienced, those of you who don't, just count your lucky stars. Anyway. Since about 5 hours ago, I am back to 100% health and as usual after such an ordeal, appreciating it a whole lot!
So, finally I have unpacked and am ready to go to work in the morning.
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