And so it ends …. But what an experience!

Friday was a day of emotional highs and lows.  I guess that isn’t unlike many of the days of the last month.  However, it was significant in that it was a day of reflection as to whether we made a difference.

We started out with a brief overview of the work done by each of our sub-teams.  This was followed by a panel representing members of each of our host organizations.  Each of these individuals then described why their organization had asked for assistance from IBM and what would be done now that we had submitted our work.  I think we have made a difference.

From there, we headed back to our host, TURKONFED, for one last goodbye at the office which had been our office for the last month.

And that was only the first half of our last day.  We took the afternoon at the IBM Office to de-brief with DOT and IBM.  Again, we reflected on how we could have done things differently, what will happen next for these host organizations, how IBM can stay involved and potential next projects for subsequent CSC teams.

All in all it was an emotional day.  I am sad to leave my new friends, some of whom I may never see in person again.  We’ll stay in touch for sure.  However, I am ready to go home to my family and friends.

It has been a wonderful journey.  Jim arrived Friday night and we will spend a few days here relaxing and enjoying Istanbul before returning to home.  #ibmcsc turkey

 

Could it really be the last day tomorrow?

As our project finishes up and the intensity of the last few weeks calms, I reflect on the magnitude of the experience here.  This week has included some long days and a few stressful moments as the deadline approached.  Yesterday we did our final review with our client.  TURKONFED, you have been a wonderful client …. open, patient with our many questions and appreciative of our ideas and approach.  Thank you to everyone in the offices of TURKONFED!

 

We learned a few new theories here in Turkey.  Traffic in Istanbul is intense but one person in the Social Innovation group we visited last week explained the ‘critical mass’ theory.  Basically if there are a lot of pedestrians, you have a chance that a car will slow for you and let you cross but generally they are bigger than you so you’d better let them pass first.  Second, as the deadline of a project gets closer, lunches get shorter and less elaborate.  We became regular customers of the street vendor in the park across the street from our office.   

Tara, our project assistant (and translator), has been a wonderful ambassador for Turkey.  Best of luck to you in your next project.  Amongst the many reasons to thank you, I thank you for sharing your expertise in the art of making Turkish Coffee.  It was delicious.

Phew!  The review is done, the deliverables ready and we have one last meeting tomorrow.  It is hard to believe it has been 4 weeks.  #ibmcsc turkey

Ephesus and Pammukkale – wow!

Sigh, the week is over.  As the end of the project gets closer and closer, we are working longer days and spending more time pulling everything together into our recommendations.  By Friday, I am tired and mentally drained.  But there is only one weekend left and I’ve already made plans to travel with four others to Ephesus and Pammukkale.  The 5 am departure from the hotel is not very appealing but we all promise we will sleep on the plane.

What a change from Istanbul!  The pace even at the airport is relaxing.  We are definitely entering a more touristic area.  The mountains in the distance and the rich agricultural plots in the valleys are beautiful.  Our tour takes us to the House of the Virgin Mary just outside of Ephesus where we light some candles and tie a wish to the Wishing Wall.

House of the Virgin Mary

Tying a Wish to the Wishing Wall at the House of the Virgin Mary

 

Then we are off to the ancient city of Ephesus.  The weather is so pleasant, our guide is entertaining and informative, and there are many pictures taken of the unbelievable artifacts and buildings.  Our hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea in Kusadasi which makes for a pleasant evening walking the shoreline and enjoying some laughs at the local wharf.

An ancient Backgammon game

Sunday we visit the ancient city of Hieropolis and Pammukkale.  The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.  It is quite stunning to view.  It is a pleasant afternoon strolling through the ruins of Hieropolis.

Entrance to the Agora (market) in Hieropolis

As we board the plane to fly back to Istanbul, we take one last look at the peaceful surroundings.  It has been a great break and now the final week of the project begins. #ibmcsc turkey