First Day

Finally 8am! I've been awake since 6am more or less... I got used to the "first days" in many ways, and subjectively, I don't feel anxious. However, my body does. I can't even claim that the nightmares in the past couple of nights have much to do with visits to my dentist. ( izvini kume! )

I took a metro to the center knowing I will have enough time for a nice walk before getting closed in office for the entire day.

I am out of credit on my cell phone… I hate that I can’t respond to the lovely message I have just received from Ivana…

The first thing I've noticed was progress made on the Marxergasse 1B (a new business building close to the breath-taking Stephansdome) since I've been here for job interview about two months ago. New BWIN reception desk at the entrance gives an impression that they own the entire building. Lifts are completely installed with fancy LCD's embedded into mirrors. Two months ago taking lifts felt like going to some secret lab since they were wrapped in paper with only BWIN button on one wall.

Receptionist informed my team lead that I have arrived. While I was waiting for a few minutes for him to meet me, new very leather and very comfortable chair gave me an impression that everything here is designated to give us maximum conditions so we can produce the maximum. I like that feeling; it's just impossible not to!

He's showing me around the building. Everything from equipment to the interior design is very futuristic, modern, and the latest of the shelf. As he guides me trough the projects I will be involved into, I realize that the same is for technology they (from now on - WE) use. As the day goes on, the same proves for him and the other team members.

Finally I grab a moment to make a quick call to Ivana. It’s been only a day since I left, and I already miss her more than anything!

I receive news with excitement that I will be involved into a new technically demanding project with a tight deadline starting tomorrow. Great... for a whole day I can't wait to see what's next at the very moment of occurrence, and now I have to both "can't wait for now and tomorrow"... if that makes any sense at all... The flu is trying to take my concentration down with fever, but I can't let anything distract me now. I fight it back with a medicine and an often face wash with cold water. The clock shows 6pm sooner than expected. I was right about my initial conclusions.

I decided to stay in the office for another few hours since there will be a Champions League Final Party at our bar on the 7th floor as BWIN sponsors the AC Milan Football Club. I gathered only half an hour of strength into the first half and had to leave. I feel exhausted.

AC Milan – Liverpool 2:1 !!!

Yes, I have moved again...

I consider it my mistake that I never write down first impressions. So many things had happen over the past seven years... some of the experiences had became so vague that I can hardly remember them, and some had became a part of me while I hardly recognize them...

I have moved to Vienna three days ago. Yes, I have moved again... this is the fifth country of residence in my 27 years of life. I have changed 15 addresses during that time.

Leaving Belgrade was as usually uncomfortable for me. It always feels like it's the second time; the first time is the one and only!

I was lucky enough at the airport not to run onto customs. I guess they were busy splitting the pot of cash they had just robbed of a few forever-gone young students who will never see this country with the same eyes ever again.

I got stamped; cop is giving me my passport back! Always a risky moment! You never know when they are going to decide that "your country needs you".

Since I haven't seen the customs, I forgot to report my laptop. They may decide to tax me on a year old laptop next time I come to Belgrade. Nothing new... It just pisses me off when I have to decode their Neanderthal voices directed at anything that runs on batteries!

Anyway, the flight was fine. Nothing had fallen of the 50 years old airplane.

Austrians proved perfectly organized as expected - the apartment is more than fine, picking up visa went smooth and fast, and any question I had were answered even before I clicked the "send" button.