And so it begins....Virginia to Slovenia

So, the Thursday I've had marked on the calendar for 12+ weeks is finally here.  The notes, texts, e-mails and calls from family and friends have been sooo appreciated.  The notes from fellow IBMers/CSCers that have allowed me some peace of mind for this trip to be prepared just a bit more than before.  It's all made this adventure easier and more difficult all at the same time.

I sit at home a few hours from being picked up and taken to Dulles Airport.  Bags are packed, checklists checked and status of our #CSCSlovenia2 team have been coming in and the excitement builds.
 



 15 of us converging from all over the world!

I arrive WAY too early which is a habit in general, but preferred in this case even more than usual.  Fortunately for my nerves I sail through security and arrive at my gate.  About an hour later, I meet the 1st member of the #CSCSlovenia2 team.  Dulles was his first stop from Austin on his way to Slovenia.  We chatted briefly, took an obligatory picture and shared it with our WhatsApp team (which everyone was using to communicate) and boarded the plane. Next stop Amsterdam for a brief layover before heading to Slovenia.



 I'd love to describe a harrowing trip across the world, but it really went without a hitch.  A stop in Amsterdam, a gate change and a short 100 minute flight into Slovenia and the adventure begins.  After a minor hiccup and confusion with someone taking our taxi (discovered it was someone from our team)...we arrived in Ljubljana.    I did briefly pinch myself in amazement that in a short few hours I was in a country across the Atlantic and ready to meet my team face-to-face for the first time.
 
* A quick pic as we stepped out into a new country*

Upon arriving at the hotel we meet up with 2 more from our group and immediately have a connection.  Admittedly it took a bit to warm up into full conversation, but after a few inquiries of home countries, how the trip was and a chuckle over the cab we were soon bonding and forming friendships.  The rest of the team arrived throughout the day and we each settled into our room and agreed we would meet later for introductions and dinner. 

FINALLY, our CSCSLOVENIA2 team was together in full force!!  All of us anxious to figure out what was next in this adventure.  Our on-site "handlers" had done a fantastic job with the logistics and arranged for a weekend of orientation, team building and sightseeing.  Stay tuned!!!




**CSCSlovenia2 team together before taking on Ljubljana's famous Open Kitchen**

Next post.....Orientation Weekend, figuring out who we are, coming together as a team, and determining how we're going to support and solve our host organization's SOW objectives.



~Open Kitchen