Last week, September 9, 2019 was the day; Online Dialogue celebrated its 10th anniversary. And to celebrate we went away with the whole team for 4 days! As is tradition at Online Dialogue, the team didn't know where we were going until we checked in for our flight. Considerable research was done beforehand by everyone based on the packing list and flight times. Two people got it right.

Saturday morning we all gathered (except Bart, who was late as usual) sleepy but full of enthusiasm at the meeting point at Schiphol Airport. And we were told by Ton where our trip was going, namely Belgrade!

Time for the twenty-two of us to check in and fly to Belgrade.

We don't all fit on the selfie.

At the airport in Belgrade we were met by our local guide Goran. He took us from the airport directly by bus to a cool activity, namely: Jeeps crossing a track. But first we had lunch and enjoyed a glass of local rakija.

We all survived:)

At dinner Ton and Bart spoke warm words to thank each other for 10 years of Online Dialogue. Ton received a nice Online Dialogue watch and Bart a good bottle of whiskey (which had to be used up in three days because we only had carry-on luggage...). 

After dinner, it was time to party together and we were taken by boat to our VIP table at a waterfront nightclub. Here we enjoyed drinks and music until the early hours.

The next morning most people had some start-up problems. Fortunately, this was taken into account in the program. After it was time for a tour of Belgrade. Goran told us about the history of the country and we visited the largest cathedral in Serbia. 

10 years ago...

...On 09-09-09 Online Dialogue was founded. During breakfast on Monday, 10 candles were blown out by Ton and Bart.

Ten years of Online Dialogue!

September 9: a day full of activities

After breakfast, it was time for a day of activities. The program was a good mix of active, cultural and relaxing activities. We started at an adventure park where we took a course through the treetops secured in a harness. Most people (some with a fear of heights) went into the trees.

After zip-lining in the woods, we went archery. Bart won, which of course we all gave him heartily 😉

Then we went to the hotel to get out our shirts and dresses to celebrate the 10th anniversary.

Time for a party

As a surprise, our founders had arranged a tour of the city in some amazing vintage cars. In these luxury cars (including Rolse Royce 1948 / Bentley R 1954 / Jaguar SS100 1936), honking through the streets of Belgrade, we were taken to the restaurant.

At dinner, as a surprise for Ton and Bart, we had all prepared pieces/speeches and bought gifts where we had divided the different years among the staff.

On to home ... and to the next 10 years!

The next morning after breakfast there was one more surprise. The previous day a rakija tasting had been planned but due to lack of time it could not take place, so it was moved to the next morning. Not everyone was quite ready for that...

Time flies by with all this sociability.

So it was time for that too. Off to the airport, back to work and to 10 more fantastic years!