I am in Amsterdam....

I am in Amsterdam, on the invitation of my ex-boss to attend a farewell dinner with professional colleagues with whom I have had the privilege of working together for the last four years. Most have become close friends.

The company which I joined in 1997 went out of their way in saying goodbye. Since the announcement was made that I was leaving, I have had five farewells including this one. And one more to go....
If a good company is normally judged on how they welcome new people, a great company in my view is how they treat people who are staying and also leaving. And my bosses and colleagues in this company have left a lasting impression on me......

Farewell speeches were kept short and brief. My ex boss recognized me for my honesty, loyalty and dedication. Musics to my ears....but then again, most farewell speeches are like that. Funny isn't it that we reserve the good things we want to say until after people leave.

One of my colleagues known for his sense of humour said a lot of things, and got carried away with his jokes....he nearly lost the plot. Another colleague, H gave me a gift and a card written with these words: ( Thank you H! )

"Dear Dear friend, A token for the time we spent as colleagues, a pair of
candle stands:
- For light when you rhyme and write poetry
- For times
you think and philosophise
- For romantic dinners with your loved one
- For all the best wishes in the future
But most of all, for being yourself, in
your own way you are enlightening,
giving energy and direction for people to
follow, grow and develop"

I traveled close to twelve hours from Kuala Lumpur to be here for this last re-union with my colleagues and friends. Despite the jet lag I was feeling and having only arrived this morning, my excitement took over and I enjoyed the occasion very much indeed. Here I want to thank everyone for a splendid time together, for all the gifts and the encouraging words you have given me. Thanks!

My flight to Dubai is not until Thursday. An opportunity to be a tourist of Amsterdam - the city of the Tulips, Bicycles, canals and many more...I have been here before, but has always been on business travels which limited the opportunities of sight seeing. So, I do look forward to spend a day cruising the canals, walking the streets, and unfolding the mysteries of this beautiful city.

Hopefully I will be capturing some more nice pictures tomorrow which can be posted in this entry later on as a post-edit.