The experience till now is just awesome. I loved the city and the hospitality of the team here in Amsterdam. The office is very spacious and bright. I was able to meet people of different fields and also know their style of working and approach to business. I must say the team here in Amsterdam is very positive and ready to take any challenges. I am looking forward meeting with the team one on one and share our experiences and how they feel to be a part of Prometric family.”

Day 3 - The Sleepy Dutch Village

Day 3 for us started normally enough. A hearty breakfast followed by the quick walk to the office. Waiting there for us were the members of the team that were still in town. It is interesting to note that at any single point in time, half the office is travelling for work.

Since we were special, (at least I like to think so) the team made some concessions to make our acquaintance and have a chat with us. For which, we are grateful.

How else would we have found out the depth of knowledge and the similarities of challenges that exist in this region when compared to some of the others. The team opened up to us during the course of the day and we swapped stories about the good, bad and some hairy experiences we have had over the years with the company.

There wasn't a dull moment.

Lunch Time!! The highlight of the lunch hour was the fine walk in the uncharacteristically sunny weather for Amsterdam this time of the year. Everyone is talking about it. Including the cab driver who drove us to the hotel from the airport on Day 1! The 10 minute walk saw us at this modern "Food Bar". Which all of us enjoyed thoroughly, especially since it was peppered with some very open, good humored conversation.

The Food Wall : Need I say more?

Ouderkerk - The Sleepy little Dutch Village. This place, just outside Amsterdam (17 Euro Cab Ride - In a swanky Mercedes!) is unbelievably quaint and I daresay Colloquial Dutch. 

Running on Dutch Coffee

For me, day one started with my departure from Dulles on Sunday.   The flight was smooth and included a never ending supply of juice, soda, snacks and meals.  I managed to sleep a bit so unfortunately I missed the Dutch breakfast.   When I arrived in Amsterdam the airport was stirring. I took a cab to the hotel to meet my team mates and start the day.  Although this is technically two days time, I feel as though it was one really long day.   We met Johan at the hotel and took a brisk walk to the office.  It's cold here, but the weather has been participating nicely.

The office is small, a stark contrast to canton or the POC.  However, it's open, full of natural light, and comfortable.  I was invigorated by the staff (and strong Dutch coffee).  We started chatting almost right away about clients, test centers and activities.  Following the agenda this continued well into the afternoon.   I took many quick notes on the conversation, but tried to focus on the discussion at hand instead of taking minutes.  

The main take away from all our discussions on Day one is this...

Prometric Netherlands...."Though she be but little, she is fierce"  
                                         -William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Day 1 - Amsterdam

The city is still just as full of romance and mystique as I remember. Full of life and verve. It makes you believe that the human race was meant to be happy. To enjoy the earth, be one with it and preserve it. The city and it's people have done a grand job of preserving what is important.

Tapash and I landed at the hotel at 8:30 AM after having spent the night aboard the KLM flight, quite comfortably, only to be told that we can only check in after 1400 hrs. No matter, the weary bones were mentally cast aside and we decided to take the Metro into the city centre.

After having figured out how to make the ticketing machine bend to our will after 20 minutes (there was an option for English, which I was too blind to spot for the first 19), we boarded train number 54 to "Amsterdam centraal (yes, with 2 "a"s)". Thus began our aimless wandering over the next 6 hours.

The weather was very mild and co operative and we just walked. Taking in the sights. The people. The streets. The Alleys. The Canals. The flowers. The smells. The Sounds. The shops. The windows.

Turning into every single conceivable alley and back alley. The city generously revealed her secrets to us. Much like the old aunt who smells of peppermint and eucalyptus, the city took us into this great big bear hug and we held on!

We sat when we were tired, we ate when we were hungry and we gawked when we saw something that we could never have imagined (which was most of the time). Half a day of aimless wandering on the streets is all it took for us to fall in love with the city.

Life is Good!

"All My Bags are packed....." croons John Denver. So do I, just a little bit. We will be embarking on this fabulous journey tomorrow. One the countries is my favourite of all the ones that I have had the good fortune of visiting. There is a goodly amount of giddy excitement that fills my rather large gut.

Nearly 15 weeks ago, this email from the CEO, was the advent of all the excitement and preparations that have gone into the actual fruition of this trip. Along the way, we got over some minor challenges and learnt loads (even before we have embarked on the actual trip). Sounds incredulous but it is true.

Simon and Johan have helped make the journey so far extremely interesting and enriching. The mood is set for what promises to be an immensely satisfying trip. For the body, mind and soul.

While I have a more than fair idea of what is in store for us over the next two weeks, I am still approaching this entire episode with a school boyish curiosity. Leaving all apprehensions behind and shedding all inhibitions is the only way we will be able to make the most of this unique opportunity.

Looking forward to absorb as much as possible from the countries and the people.