The rest of my jet setting adventure...

Ok as mentioned earlier, I just returned from the US and the 3rd Annual Alstom University People Quest event ... which took place in Philadelphia. I may have hinted at some adventerous activities that took place while I was there... While I won't bore you with major details I will provide you a quick recap:

1. A monster snow storm hits the east coast the day after I arrive (some places with 30+ inches and no power for 10+ days...) YIKES
2. 360 degree slide/ nail biting moment,  with my driver as we try and make our way to Target to get some final supplies for the upcoming event
3. A power outage while I am at the King of Prussia mall right outside of Philly - wanna see a mad house, flip the power switch at your local mall and let me know how great of a time that is...
4. A power outage at the hotel while expecting 70 participants and guest speakers - of course this happens after I promise all is well to everyone who has checked in from their powerless homes in CT and MA ... timing is certainly a bitch in this case. But with flashlights, space heaters and a positive attitude we prevailed
5. No heat on the first morning of training - revert back to space heaters and extra blankets, never letting that positive attitude fluster
6. When we finally get the heat back, whatever switched it on, also switched on some flames... in turn requiring for an evacuation of the hotel along with all my lovely participants - good times had by all. BUT any of you who know me also know I have a thing for fireman, so I turned this situation around quite quickly...
7. This is not a road block at all but something super awesome we did - our first ever Alstom Chili cook-off. I laughed so hard my face hurt for the entire night. What a blast!!

I am sure I am forgetting something somewhere, but those wrap up the major road blocks and obstacles. Leaving  me to be able to look back on this event as one of the most interesting, adventorous and challenging events I have yet to work on. Lucky for me I was lucky enough to have the most fantastic group pf participants ever, they managed to smile, support and laugh right along with me, which honestly made all of the difference in the world. I am hoping to stay in touch with most of these participants and there are a few I hope to even become better friends with. All in all, I love my job and after an event like this and seeing the excitement in the participants faces, I couldn't ask for anything better (well except for no fires, snowstorms, power outages...) Below is a little recap of our 5 days together.

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