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Inside Omega

Kenneth Down Under - Final Impressions

Published 30.01.2006


Project: G1 Development Project and Panna Project
Destination: Perth, Australia
Start Date: 23.09.05
End Date: 19.12.05

On the job

Where did you work?

I worked in town, in the middle of Perth.

Where did you live?

The first week I stayed at a Hilton Hotel, and then I moved to Mounts Bay Water Apartments. It was really nice there. Just five minutes walk to work and ten minutes to the town center.

First impressions of working in Perth?

My colleagues and the people living there were friendly.

Main project challenge? How did you overcome it?

The first big challenge for me was that I was not a CMS expert. I had worked with it for five months at Kårstø (Norway), but that was quite different compared to how we did it in Perth.
I had good contact with Richard Adams and Neil Carlsen. They explained what the best way to do things was.

Main project highlight?

Seeing the system work and getting good feedback from Clough.

Who were you working with?

I was working as a part of the Commissioning team.  We were a group of eight people coming from the UK, US and Australia.

How have you developed through this project professionally?

I learned a lot working on this project. Being all on my own was a bit of a challenge, since I have not done this job before. I feel that this was a great experience for me.

What do you see Omega has to offer on projects such as yours?

It's a good opportunity to see the world. You both get to travel and to work in another county.

Time out

How would you describe the city of Perth?

It's a nice city. It's a big city, but still it's not that big. It's a very safe city and it's easy to find your way around.

How would you describe the people of Perth?

They really like outdoor activities. I was surprised to see the all the people exercising. Everywhere you could see people running around, on their bicycles or other forms of exercise.

Recommendations:

Best place to stay?

Mounts Bay Waters Apartments - Serviced Apartments with a gym, tennis court and swimming pool.

Best way to get around town?

Walk or CAT bus (the bus is free).

Best food to try?

Asian food - a lot of good places all around Perth.

Best restaurant?

TAKA - Japanese place where you can get a dinner with salad, soup and tea included for about 32 NOK.

Best bar?

Grape Skin - Chill out place (similar to Samson in Haugesund); Geisha - If you want dance; The Dean - Brazilian night.

Best beach?

Scarborough Beach.

Best night out?

Went to the Perth Rally with my friends and went out in Northbrigde afterwards. Had a great time!

Best cultural activity?

Jamiroquai concert.

Best weekend away?

Sand boarding in Lancelin.

Activities not to be missed?

Surfing; The beach.

Final impressions

What did you gain from your time on project in Perth?

It was a very good experience for me both professionally and personally.

What did you miss most whilst on project in Perth?

My nephew (he is 2 years old) and of course the rest of the family and my friends.

What advice would you give to other Omega employees taking on projects in Perth?

Have fun, learn to surf and enjoy the sun.

Would you like to work on a project in Perth or Australia again?

Yes, I had a really good time in Perth - made a lot of new friends. I will go back to Australia either for work or as a tourist. 

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