BLADAM - Entry - Another crazy international work trip… and my thoughts on work travel

DISCLAIMER: This is my personal blog. The blatherings here aren't (necessarily) the views of the current company I work for, companies I've previously blessed with my presence, my loving parents, the Illuminati, or anyone other than me, me, me!

Another crazy international work trip… and my thoughts on work travel

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be traveling internationally for work once again.

And boy, I certainly do have a love-hate relationship with work travel!

Why work travel rocks:
- Get to know colleagues better.
- Much easier to get collaborative projects moving when in person than over VC or e-mail!
- Frequent flyer miles!
- Experience little fascinating pieces of foreign cultures and learn more about my own in the process.
- Get to see wonderful far-away friends.
- Acquire lots of photos and fun stories to tell

Why work travel sucks:
- Tons to do ahead of time (in addition to “regular” job)! visa, vaccinations, presentation/interview prep, etc.
- Away from local friends; often not there when they most need me.
- Expense reports in multiple currencies (this time: seven!). Pure hell. No seriously, doing calculations with various exchange rates, credit card fees, etc… really really sucks.
- Screaming babies and loud morons in 15 hour economy flights.
- Jetlag (seven different time zones in 30 days).
- No pause button for e-mail.
- Traveling can be lonely.

On the whole, though, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel for work. Unlike some of my friends who have to dress up to face frustrated clients when they travel, I typically have the pleasure of working on awesome projects with friendly and fun colleagues when I travel. And I also am damn lucky with the cities I get to visit: Sydney, Stockholm, Seattle, and even super cities that don’t start with ‘S’. Granted, I suffered through crazy-freezing Stockholm and icky-damp London in the heart of winter, but still… .

* * *

So where to this time? Here’s where!

Tue Feb 17:  Departing for SINGAPORE (via Hong Kong)
Thu Feb 18:  Working with teammates in Singapore Office, doing an interview with press about Search; grabbing dinner with friends and heading to a jazz club
Fri Feb 19:  In the Singapore office, then in the evening, flying to HYDERABAD
Sat-Sun   :  Exploring Hyderabad (it's my first time in India!), prepping for the week's upcoming conferences
Mon Feb 22:  Working on projects with Hyderabad Search Quality colleagues
Wed Feb 24:  Flying to BANGALORE, doing interviews with press, prepping for two conferences
Sat Feb 28:  Doing three presentations at a Search conference; in the evening, flying to CHENNAI
Sun Feb 29:  Attending an informal Search conference in Chennai; flying to TOKYO in the evening (overnight)
Mon Mar 02:  Working on projects with Search Quality Googlers in Tokyo
Sat-Sun   :  Visiting KYOTO with a friend to unwind a bit
Mon Mar 09:  Speaking at a TOKYO Google press event re: search issues
Tue Mar 10:  Flying back to the U.S.
Wed-Sat   :  Undoubtedly trying to get over jetlag and attempting to catch up on e-mail
Sun Mar 15:  Flying to DUBLIN (thankfully direct this time!)
Mon-Wed   :  Working on projects with Search Quality Googlers
Thu Mar 19:  Flying to REYKJAVIK (via London) for a marketing conference
Fri Mar 20:  Giving a presentation on Google and Search at the conference
Sat-Sun   :  Exploring Iceland, then flying back to the U.S.
Mon Mar 23:  In BOSTON, likely visiting Google's Cambridge office; also hanging out with friends
Tue Mar 24:  Flying HOME!

Whew! Maybe I’ll even get around to doing a journal entry about the places I visit this time? Though given that I still haven’t posted detailed thoughts about my time in Brazil, Mexico, China, Korea… {sigh}... writing is hard!

Anyway, if you’ve been to (or live in!) any of the places above, feel free to share your recommendations for things to see, place to eat, etc. .

* * *

I’ll leave you with a photo of a train station from beautiful Howth, Ireland, where I spent an uncommonly sunny weekend day in between work days in Dublin last year. Feel free to check out more of my photos of Howth .

- Blathered by Adam on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 17:07 [ Permalink ]
- Filed under travel
- Commented on by no one yet. Bummer. Please leave a comment below so this entry is less lonely.

Comment from Saptarshi Hyderabad, India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey Adam, that’s one hell of a travel schedule and I can very well understand how difficult it might be to keep up with it. Hope to meet you in the Search masters 2009 conference in Bangalore on 28th but while you are at Hyderabad don’t miss out on the famous Hyderabadi Biryani ( I hope you can take the spice ) - Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 2:16 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Saptarshi, thanks for the friendly hello . I am indeed looking forward to trying the Hyderabadi Biryani and much other fabulous Indian food. I’ve heard that the spices can be a bit strong for us weak-stomach’d Americans, but I’ll do my best! On a different note… thanks to those of you eagle-eyed folks who spotted my typo (Feb 28 instead of Mar 1)—fixed! - Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 5:29 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tina [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	When I go to Boston, I like to go to Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market, and just walk around. I know that the experts say it is “over-rated tourist trap, and they are probably right, but I like to do it anyway. I also like to go to Filene’s basement; sometimes I find a good bargain there, but I also just like to people watch there. Also, the Bull and Finch pub is worth a short visit, just to say that you’ve been to the bar that is the exterior shot of the pub from the old “Cheers” television show. - Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 4:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Jillian, so far this trip has indeed been very rewarding! While I could look at the negative and whine about having very little “free time,” I have to say that even the supposedly mundane stuff—being stuck in traffic, watching TV commercials, etc—gives a fascinating glimpse into local culture. And on another positive note, I continue to think the world of my colleagues. Very welcoming, well-rounded, fun people . Re: expense reports… no, despite how high tech Google is, our expensing system is (at least for now) still pretty grounded in the stone age. The associated hassle, in the scheme of things, is a small price to pay for the wonderful opportunities I get while traveling, but it’s still something I heavily curse after every trip. I’m sure this one will be no exception. On Boston… I’ve already visited the city a few times and absolutely love it (one of my fav American cities due to its walkability, history, and so on). I’ve even checked out that “Cheers” bar in the past . JohnT, I also think Dublin is a great city. It’s far more diverse than I expected and—despite the anguished cries of its residents—I haven’t found the weather to be all THAT gloomy and wet (but then again, I don’t live there year ‘round). When you do have a chance to visit Dublin, make sure to ask some locals where they go to the pub. Forget the lame touristy ones, and take a 15-20 minute cab ride if you have to (and granted, that’s NOT cheap!). I did this and the awesomest evening hanging with true locals (of all ages), listening to terrific foot-stomping fiddlers and singers for hours over some pints. Tina: I actually lived in Boston about ten years ago for a few months, and used to guiltily enjoy Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, often for a good spot of people watching. Haven’t hit Filene’s basement, but after my bits and pieces of shopping while abroad, I think it’ll be time to give my credit card a rest, even when faced with American bargains in the basement . - Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:43 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	BTW, here’s a photo from my trip that you might enjoy: Super smiley awesome schoolkids in Hyderabad - Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:51 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Johan Ruiterdonk Alkmaar [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	I’ts better than doing nothing . But you made a great stance for the pause button for e-mail, wouldn’t that be wonderful? - Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 13:17 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Alex W [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That’s one heck of a travel schedule, you must love your work, way better than a desk job that I am stuck with. employment opportunities - Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 23:55 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Johan, yes, a pause button in e-mail would be awesome! Jillian, re: the exchange rate, I’ve been trying to put as much as possible on my credit card and just expensing what I get charged. Now that I have a no-international-fees credit card (by Schwab), it’s not only convenient, but thrifty . and re: Beantown… I’m actually going to a dance camp outside of the city in June . And yep, Japan was a blast, too! Markcijo, thank you very much for your kind comments here and elsewhere! As you could tell, I very much enjoyed myself in India, particularly the friendliness and hospitality of everyone I met. And no, I didn’t end up having time to finish my lunch, but I made sure to have some snacks and a good dinner later Alex, yes, and I’ll even forgive you for double-link-dropping. Once Mikefast… I learned the secret to conquering jetlag: timing meals to your destination city. Works like a charm (crossing fingers). - Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 15:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tholomew Gold Coast, Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey Adam Long time no talk Nice to see your enjoying the Job still. Work travel is awesome, all my friends get jealous when I tell them that I’m going over the other side of the world for work next week. I get to see many different countries but it has the disadvantages of course, I don’t mind screaming kids on the planes tho, I just think to myself that I probably used to do the same. But that’s me I’m a chilled out person. Other people are total opposite, haha Im actually working on a new project now Job In Australia anyway Ill definitly hit you up soon. - Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 4:01 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Cigars [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Wow, that is one serious travel schedule. I have a lot of trouble with my sinuses and pressure if I travel a lot like that. My ears start to hurt and I get headaches if I fly too much. I own an online cigar shop and I have to travel about the US and cigar producing areas frequently. I have never been to India but I want to go. I hear they have a booming economy ahead. I want to go to Germany as well. I’d love to see where they make BMWs. - Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Ajith India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	India is really good and there are a lot of wonderful places here. Its the real Incredible India itself. - Posted on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 21:57 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Marcus [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	I really do like the idea of travelling. I’ve recently gone self-employed running an online store which sells brainwave entrainment CDs. It’s doing quite well, and would basically allow me to travel around - so long as I have an Internet connection I would be able to work anywhere. And I suspect opportunities for this business would crop up as I travel. - Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 3:32 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Nick [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	It must be hard to leave all every-time, you miss your family, your friends, you only live for your work, it’s the same for all work’s travellers, do you need more money or more time with people you like ? Good question i have no answer for it ! - Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 7:59 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Hellen [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	This sort of work based travel certainly gives answer on how to break a habit of the daily rat-race. - Posted on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Lane Tucson, AZ [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	The thing that is the biggest pain for me when traveling for work is making all the arrangements. My company basically leaves all of that to us and they just pay the bill. airfare, hotels, car rentals, restaurants…it’s a hassle. Lane - Posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 13:08 [ Permalink to this comment ]

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Comment from Saptarshi Hyderabad, India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey Adam, that’s one hell of a travel schedule and I can very well understand how difficult it might be to keep up with it. Hope to meet you in the Search masters 2009 conference in Bangalore on 28th but while you are at Hyderabad don’t miss out on the famous Hyderabadi Biryani ( I hope you can take the spice ) - Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 2:16 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Saptarshi, thanks for the friendly hello . I am indeed looking forward to trying the Hyderabadi Biryani and much other fabulous Indian food. I’ve heard that the spices can be a bit strong for us weak-stomach’d Americans, but I’ll do my best! On a different note… thanks to those of you eagle-eyed folks who spotted my typo (Feb 28 instead of Mar 1)—fixed! - Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 5:29 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tina [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	When I go to Boston, I like to go to Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market, and just walk around. I know that the experts say it is “over-rated tourist trap, and they are probably right, but I like to do it anyway. I also like to go to Filene’s basement; sometimes I find a good bargain there, but I also just like to people watch there. Also, the Bull and Finch pub is worth a short visit, just to say that you’ve been to the bar that is the exterior shot of the pub from the old “Cheers” television show. - Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 4:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Jillian, so far this trip has indeed been very rewarding! While I could look at the negative and whine about having very little “free time,” I have to say that even the supposedly mundane stuff—being stuck in traffic, watching TV commercials, etc—gives a fascinating glimpse into local culture. And on another positive note, I continue to think the world of my colleagues. Very welcoming, well-rounded, fun people . Re: expense reports… no, despite how high tech Google is, our expensing system is (at least for now) still pretty grounded in the stone age. The associated hassle, in the scheme of things, is a small price to pay for the wonderful opportunities I get while traveling, but it’s still something I heavily curse after every trip. I’m sure this one will be no exception. On Boston… I’ve already visited the city a few times and absolutely love it (one of my fav American cities due to its walkability, history, and so on). I’ve even checked out that “Cheers” bar in the past . JohnT, I also think Dublin is a great city. It’s far more diverse than I expected and—despite the anguished cries of its residents—I haven’t found the weather to be all THAT gloomy and wet (but then again, I don’t live there year ‘round). When you do have a chance to visit Dublin, make sure to ask some locals where they go to the pub. Forget the lame touristy ones, and take a 15-20 minute cab ride if you have to (and granted, that’s NOT cheap!). I did this and the awesomest evening hanging with true locals (of all ages), listening to terrific foot-stomping fiddlers and singers for hours over some pints. Tina: I actually lived in Boston about ten years ago for a few months, and used to guiltily enjoy Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, often for a good spot of people watching. Haven’t hit Filene’s basement, but after my bits and pieces of shopping while abroad, I think it’ll be time to give my credit card a rest, even when faced with American bargains in the basement . - Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:43 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	BTW, here’s a photo from my trip that you might enjoy: Super smiley awesome schoolkids in Hyderabad - Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:51 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Johan Ruiterdonk Alkmaar [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	I’ts better than doing nothing . But you made a great stance for the pause button for e-mail, wouldn’t that be wonderful? - Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 13:17 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Alex W [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That’s one heck of a travel schedule, you must love your work, way better than a desk job that I am stuck with. employment opportunities - Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 23:55 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Johan, yes, a pause button in e-mail would be awesome! Jillian, re: the exchange rate, I’ve been trying to put as much as possible on my credit card and just expensing what I get charged. Now that I have a no-international-fees credit card (by Schwab), it’s not only convenient, but thrifty . and re: Beantown… I’m actually going to a dance camp outside of the city in June . And yep, Japan was a blast, too! Markcijo, thank you very much for your kind comments here and elsewhere! As you could tell, I very much enjoyed myself in India, particularly the friendliness and hospitality of everyone I met. And no, I didn’t end up having time to finish my lunch, but I made sure to have some snacks and a good dinner later Alex, yes, and I’ll even forgive you for double-link-dropping. Once Mikefast… I learned the secret to conquering jetlag: timing meals to your destination city. Works like a charm (crossing fingers). - Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 15:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tholomew Gold Coast, Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey Adam Long time no talk Nice to see your enjoying the Job still. Work travel is awesome, all my friends get jealous when I tell them that I’m going over the other side of the world for work next week. I get to see many different countries but it has the disadvantages of course, I don’t mind screaming kids on the planes tho, I just think to myself that I probably used to do the same. But that’s me I’m a chilled out person. Other people are total opposite, haha Im actually working on a new project now Job In Australia anyway Ill definitly hit you up soon. - Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 4:01 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Cigars [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Wow, that is one serious travel schedule. I have a lot of trouble with my sinuses and pressure if I travel a lot like that. My ears start to hurt and I get headaches if I fly too much. I own an online cigar shop and I have to travel about the US and cigar producing areas frequently. I have never been to India but I want to go. I hear they have a booming economy ahead. I want to go to Germany as well. I’d love to see where they make BMWs. - Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Ajith India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	India is really good and there are a lot of wonderful places here. Its the real Incredible India itself. - Posted on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 21:57 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Marcus [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	I really do like the idea of travelling. I’ve recently gone self-employed running an online store which sells brainwave entrainment CDs. It’s doing quite well, and would basically allow me to travel around - so long as I have an Internet connection I would be able to work anywhere. And I suspect opportunities for this business would crop up as I travel. - Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 3:32 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Nick [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	It must be hard to leave all every-time, you miss your family, your friends, you only live for your work, it’s the same for all work’s travellers, do you need more money or more time with people you like ? Good question i have no answer for it ! - Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 7:59 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Hellen [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	This sort of work based travel certainly gives answer on how to break a habit of the daily rat-race. - Posted on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Lane Tucson, AZ [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	The thing that is the biggest pain for me when traveling for work is making all the arrangements. My company basically leaves all of that to us and they just pay the bill. airfare, hotels, car rentals, restaurants…it’s a hassle. Lane - Posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 13:08 [ Permalink to this comment ]