Leaving Melbourne…

I would like to apologize to my Brazilian friends but as this will be the last post here, I will do it in the language that I’ve been mostly speaking for the last 5 months. The reason for that is because maybe there will be some especial people that will read this and they don’t understand Portuguese.

As I will not have the chance to say goodbye to Melbourne and all the people that I met there in person, so this is the way I decided to do it. I will start saying that this was a really nice experience, not only because it was in Australia (c’mon, could it be bad?), but mostly because of the people that were in the project. It was a nice surprise for me, I really didn’t expect to meet such nice people and in a short period even make new friends. But that’s what happened…

I can’t forget the first day I arrived at the office and was supposed to meet Weerapong but as he was stuck in a meeting he asked Jennie to meet me. She was the first person I met at the office and, as always, she came with her big smile in her face, asking all those common questions that I would hear for at least 2 weeks: where are you from, what is your role in the project, etc… But since then, Jennie was a good friend and we got along pretty fast. Jennie, I’m gonna miss our chats, your funny stories and your smile. But don’t worry, next time I come to NY you will have a guest, I mean, two guests :)

And then was time to meet TJ. He was at my team and I bet he was really curious to meet his new manager and see how the next two months would be. He was the only one in my team that was in Melbourne at that day and I could not have a better person to get me started. TJ has this way to make sure everything is alright for you. Thanks for everything! Having you in my team, and as friend, made things much easier. The second person I met in my team was Najib. He was really nice to me and I could tell that the guy was really smart and knew everything that was happening. Najib, the SDP project in Rio is waiting for you!

After 40 days in Australia, I came back to Brazil to start my work permit process. I went to the US for vacation and training and in March I went back to Melbourne for 2 more months. And that’s when I had the opportunity to know some other people better. We created a group of very powerful leadership, which met every Tuesday night for the Seriously Executive Meetings. At these meetings we could not be without good food and good wine! Geri, Kim, Meeta, Lou and Krista, I had so much fun with you guys in our meetings.
Geri, it was a shame that we only started knowing each other better so late… You were always so kind and friendly to me. I wish you all the best in your new job and your new life as a married woman. Welcome to the team, you will see that it is really worthy! Take care! Don’t forget that in Brazil we have many, many beautiful beaches where you and Jeff could surf! I’m waiting for your visit!

Meeta!!!! Thanks for all the fun and laughing, and for keeping me company while my friend was away. I told you, you have your own place, remember? Don’t worry too much, relax, you know that March 2008 will be here soon! :) When you less expects it, it will happen!

Louise, love, I already told you that I can’t explain why I feel so comfortable with you. I will miss you coming to my desk and saying all those crazy things only you can say. I’m waiting for you and Al here!
Krista, thanks for everything, I really appreciate your help during this whole time! And remember, don’t work too much!!!

Those who know me and my family know that I have two older brothers. I had to travel to the other side of the world to find out that I had another one. We even have the same last name!!! Antonio and Rosana, it was really nice to meet you guys. You are very especial to me. I wish you come home soon so we can continue to have fun here, and who knows, even work together again!!!

No, I did not forget you, Kim Kam’s. You taught me that it doesn’t matter how far we go, we can always meet someone new that makes a difference in our life. Even if at the beginning you were like 'Who is this girl who is crashing on my meeting?'. All it took was one bad trip to Tasmania for me to make you change your mind... Thanks for keeping me company, thanks for listening to me, thanks for being a friend when I needed one. I have to admit that usually I’m not so good (not so much :) ) in keeping in touch with my friends that are away… I know, it is bad. But with you, I will try harder! And remember you promised to be here in December (it will be a hell of a birthday present for me). I’ll miss you a lot, my complicute, spoiled brat friend!

And finally, I could not forget to mention you, which are responsible for all of this. You, that supported me, trusted me and understood that I needed to accept this opportunity. I love you so much that I can’t even imagine being away from you again!

That’s all folks! I want you all to know that whenever you want to, you have a small place in Rio that will be very happy to have you guys as guests! Take care!
See-ya mates!