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walbournLast time I was here, I spent most of my time at the hotel or the convention center. Also, my travel partner wasn't really up to trying the 'local flavor' so I think we had Korean food one night.
This time we had a mix of meetings and a more adventurous group. We went to about six different meetings over two days mostly via the Seoul subway. Our meals were a mix of traditional Korean--which frankly, I'm not really that fond of particularly when compared to Chinese or Japanese cuisine--and even a "through the looking glass" Westernish meal at a Korean T.G.I.F.. Why T.G.I.F you ask? Because both Outback Steakhouse restaurants on either side were a longer wait.
The city is infested with Western chains. Starbuck's naturally has something like 150 shops, but what was really strange was the sheer number of Baskin Robin's 31 Flavors, Dunkin Donuts, and KFC stores. They were everywhere.
Strangest thing I saw in a menu this week: Kimchi Roll with Brie. Even the guy in the group that ate 'wiggly food' at every meal thought that was gross.
It was also an opportunity for some quality time with my group's manager and the division manager. Because of the way that Microsoft does their promotions and salary decisions, it is important for them to know you from Adam. Definitely an amusing group of individuals.
This time we had a mix of meetings and a more adventurous group. We went to about six different meetings over two days mostly via the Seoul subway. Our meals were a mix of traditional Korean--which frankly, I'm not really that fond of particularly when compared to Chinese or Japanese cuisine--and even a "through the looking glass" Westernish meal at a Korean T.G.I.F.. Why T.G.I.F you ask? Because both Outback Steakhouse restaurants on either side were a longer wait.
The city is infested with Western chains. Starbuck's naturally has something like 150 shops, but what was really strange was the sheer number of Baskin Robin's 31 Flavors, Dunkin Donuts, and KFC stores. They were everywhere.
Strangest thing I saw in a menu this week: Kimchi Roll with Brie. Even the guy in the group that ate 'wiggly food' at every meal thought that was gross.
It was also an opportunity for some quality time with my group's manager and the division manager. Because of the way that Microsoft does their promotions and salary decisions, it is important for them to know you from Adam. Definitely an amusing group of individuals.
"So, like, what is our waitress' name? Oh yeah, it's on her name badge: 'shaving mirror / sort of a T / guy with a funny hat'"Anyhow, they are off to China for another round of meetings and I'm heading home today. All-in-all a good trip, and from the looks of things I should expect to be back in this part of the world again soon. In the meantime, I've got a pile of presentations to prepare, a couple more to wrangle, and all the usual meetings, support, and what-not to work on.
