19th, October 2009 - CSC Orientation

After a few month of teleconferencing, we finally met our teammates for the first time. Our team consists of 9 members, two from the US, two from Germany, one each from Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, Japan(Malaysia) and we've named our team, Rangoli Team. The word 'Rangoli' is derived from the words 'rang' (colour) and 'aavalli'('coloured creepers' or 'row of colours'). It is a popular art in India. During the orientation, we had a briefing from our partner CDC Solutions Development and of course the self introduction. We also talked about our exceptations for the CSC program.

Learn more about Rangoli in Wikipedia.

19th, October 2009 - Arrival in India

Transit in Mumbai

There were some delays in baggage collection. I had to wait for around 30 minutes before getting my luggage. Better late than never though. Yet, this was nothing compare to the transit to the domestic flight. Tried following the signs to transit to domestic flight but ended up somewhat lost. In the end, had some help from the airport staffs and finally got to where I was supposed to. It's kind of chaotic in Mumbai International Airport, at least that's my personal impression.

Another things is the overwhelming number of people there. There was not enough space to sit in the departure lobby. I met some of my teammate for the first time at the airport. Rich was there much earlier than I was, and he spotted me as I came down the stairs to the departure lobby. Just minutes before boarding, Per and Annamari joined us, just in time for the flight.


Arrival in Ahmedabad

Finally arrived in Ahmedabad around 3 am in the morning, due to a slight delay. Arjun, our local logistic coordinator was there to meet us. After a short ride in a 'taxi', we arrived at our final destination, Ginger hotel, which will be our home for the coming month.
Gavin, our partner from CDC Solutions Development was there to meet us.

18th, October 2009 - Departure

The flight

After the frantic last minutes packing, arrived in Kansai International Airport just in time for the flight. The flight was arranged by CDC Development Solutions which is our partner in the CSC program, it's a flight with Thai Airways from Osaka to Bangkok, Bangkok to Mumbai and finally Mumbai to Ahmedabad via Air India.

Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport

The airport was much bigger than what I expected but doing the transit there is quite easy. There were some interesting features in the airport. Not quite sure whether it's a permanent one or just there for some special events.

I had a few hours to spend there and after strolling for a while, and still nothing to do, I decided to try some Thai food. Very good green curry, loved it!

17th, Oct 2009 - Before departure

Started the preparation for CSC in July, but still ended up with lots to do at the last minutes before departure. It was much more work/preparation in leaving the regular job for one month than what I had expected . I was working from 8 am in the morning till midnight for the final week before departure. However, I guess everything is worth it when you consider the work to be done in Ahmedabad under the CSC program.

This is my first blog, not really sure what to post etc.. Will make an effort to update this as often as possible. By the way, for those who don't know about the IBM CSC program, have a look here.

To my project teammates in Osaka, sorry for the inconvenience.