Dear CP and IOI community,
This is my first time leading the team at the IOI! However, after this experience, I will be having a long, hard look in the mirror before ever considering it again.
TL;DR: Every single step went wrong — even the ones you thought couldn't.
Part of the Serbian team (two contestants and a guest) was traveling with me, while the rest traveled separately with the deputy, due to a training camp.
Failing before even departing
Our intended route was: Belgrade → Zurich → São Paulo → Santa Cruz, followed by a separate domestic flight to Sucre. We planned to depart on the 26th and arrive on the 27th. However, a major storm hit Europe that day, and many flights to/from Zurich were delayed — including ours. Because of that delay, we missed our connection to São Paulo, and consequently all following flights.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Logistic problems
We were rebooked for a flight 24 hours later: Zurich → Madrid → Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, by then, every single flight from Santa Cruz to Sucre was either fully booked or cancelled. It seems Bolivian airlines and Sucre airport weren't equipped to handle this volume of people. (Don't get me wrong — Sucre is a beautiful city, and I'm glad the event was moved here from that perspective.) Our only remaining option was a 13-hour bus ride. Not ideal terrain, not ideal travel mode. Even worse: our bus would depart at 16:00, and we were set to arrive in Santa Cruz at 5:00 AM — leaving us with a full day of waiting.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Almost sent home by an angry guy
Then came the real adventure. At boarding in Madrid, we were stopped at the gate because we didn't have visas. Despite having every possible document (including formal guarantees from Bolivian immigration that visas would be issued on arrival), the gate agent refused to even listen. After several minutes of escalating tension, he called a supervisor — who was equally dismissive. We were officially denied boarding 15 minutes before departure. It was hopeless. We were even threatened with removal if we didn't “behave.” A chaotic scene unfolded — one passenger trying to force oversized luggage through, the agent losing his temper, even grabbing her phone. Meanwhile, we stood frozen, watching other contestants and team leaders somehow board without visas. With less than a minute left, and the gate closing, a miracle happened: someone whispered something to the gate agent — and suddenly, we were waved through. Massive thanks to the IOI organizers who intervened — without their help, we would have been sent home, and this would've been a true disaster. I'm still upset we weren't allowed to speak to a superior or explain ourselves. The adrenaline rush made me physically ill.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Prison break
Once in Santa Cruz, we booked a 1-star hotel next to the bus station. No windows, tiled walls, no private bathroom — basically a prison cell. Still, it was a welcome break after everything.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Scared of a bus like a chicken
Then came the 13-hour bus ride to Sucre. First, a man boarded to deliver a half-hour prophecy reading — not too bad, considering we don't speak Spanish. After he left, an older woman carrying several bags sat beside me and tried to convince me to give her my ticket. (She eventually bought her own.) Then I started hearing strange noises. I assumed it was the engine. It was not. It was a live chicken and a chick in her bag. The chicken clucked loudly for hours and nearly escaped from the bag during the night.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Detailed sightseeing of the road
Almost there. After 11 hours of no mobile signal, the bus broke down in the mountains. The driver had to continue in first gear, stopping every 100 meters to cool the engine. The final 20 kilometers took over 2 hours.
The other part of the delegation did not have this problem.
Happy ending
Finally, on the 29th, we arrived in Sucre — exhausted, traumatized, and armed with a comedy-of-errors story to tell our grandkids. Instead of a 20-something-hour trip, we had a 68-hour trip. On a bright note, I truly enjoyed sightseeing in Sucre. It was a perfect day — a fitting reward after an unforgettable trip.
I wish all the contestants good luck! Especially those who travelled with me.
Best regards,
Team Leader of Serbia
