Autodesk Adventure: A Tale of London and the World Cup 2018
The London Odyssey
Last week was nothing short of a whirlwind as I embarked on a four-day escapade to London for the illustrious Autodesk University 2018. Buckle up, dear reader, for a journey packed with delays, digital revolutions, and a dash of football frenzy.
Train Troubles and Tower Talks
The odyssey kicked off with a 07:09 train from Wigan North Western to London Euston, albeit delayed by 20 minutes due to trespassers on the line between Lancaster and Preston. Quite the dramatic start, wouldn’t you say? Instead of gracefully arriving at Euston at 09:10 with a leisurely 50 minutes to spare, I found myself with a mere 25 minutes to navigate the bustling streets of London to reach the Arcadis BIM forum. Yet, against all odds, I made it to the forum at 10:10, a mere ten minutes fashionably late. Not too shabby, considering the hurdles!
The day unfolded amidst approximately 120 Arcadians from across Europe, all ears to Arcadis‘ transformation into a Digital and BIM powerhouse within our industry. Autodesk graced us with their presence, further solidifying the bond between our two esteemed entities. And what better way to cap off the day than with a riverside BBQ and beers, accompanied by England’s inaugural World Cup match against Tunisia? Talk about multitasking!
Room Riddles and Riverside Views
Now, let’s talk accommodations. While the rooms at the Tower Hotel boasted views of the majestic Tower Bridge, some of us, myself included, were left with nothing more than a scenic view up the river. Nevertheless, a room is a room, and with the bustling energy of London outside our windows, who could complain?
A Technological Soiree at Tobacco Dock
With the dawn of a new day, we eagerly made our way to Tobacco Dock for the main event – Autodesk University London 2018. Two days brimming with classes, forums, and insights from Autodesk aficionados and industry stalwarts from across Europe awaited us. Of particular interest was a riveting one-hour presentation on BIM360 by one of our own, shedding light on Arcadis’ adoption of this cutting-edge technology as our Common Data Environment. Fascinating stuff, if I do say so myself.
Tee Shirts, Taverns, and Team Bonding
As the days stretched on, so did our camaraderie. Clad in our signature Arcadis (Orange) Tee shirts, we stood out amidst the sea of attendees at Autodesk University. Evenings were spent bonding over a pint or two, with Tuesday night finding us at The Dickens Inn, nestled snugly in St Katherine’s Docks. A quaint pub for hearty conversations and shared laughter, the perfect antidote to long days of learning.
Farewells and French Cuisine
Alas, all good things must come to an end. Our final night together in London saw Yannick from France, Roland from Holland, and yours truly enjoying a delightful meal, savouring the last moments of our London escapade before bidding adieu.
Homebound and Family Fun
As the London chapter drew to a close, it was time to return to the comforts of home. A two-hour train journey later, I found myself reunited with Michele, ready to regale her with tales of my adventures. Friday unfolded with the serendipitous visit of a dragonfly, a whimsical reminder of nature’s beauty amidst the urban hustle.
Saturday was a family affair, spent in the warm embrace of mum and dad, with a detour to the Manchester office to treat dad to a bird’s eye view of the city. The afternoon was dedicated to Sam, my daughter, and the grandchildren, a cherished time of familial bonds and shared joy.
Football Frenzy and French Grandeur
Sunday dawned with promises of sporting spectacles, from England’s triumphant 6-1 victory against Panama to the French Grand Prix and more exhilarating football matches. A fitting end to a week filled with adventure and camaraderie.
