Californication

It's my 5th day in California and my 4th day in training with Google. I wouldve loved to take lots of pics in the Google compound but security's pretty tight and we can only take pics outside. Google environment is REALLY fun. Free buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner; snack bars everywhere, gym and other recreations on every building. They really invest in employee satisfaction for the basic reason that happy employees equal quality work.

This is the building where we go to sign in every morning. It has the red Google Map marker on it.

Google bikes are everywhere! As long as it's not padlocked, you can basically just take it and use it to get around the compound.They also have shuttle services that have wifi and are free for employees.

So the secondary reason that I agreed to this US trip is to go SHOPPING. I bought a couple of stuff for Zoe in TJ Maxx, Walmart, and Target. I have yet to visit some other stores but I still have this weekend. I got a set of Calvin Klein bibs and a really cute Ralph Lauren romper. Trust me, the prices are better than reasonable.

More stuff for Zoe -- Carter's washcloths and socks, 5 piece-set Gerber onesies, cute baby clothes from Carter's and 2 8 oz. bottles of Aveeno baby wash and shampoo (if converted to peso, around 180 per bottle lang in Walmart)

I also bought the usual chocolates and stuff and a couple of shirts for hubby. I've spent sooo much na and my hubby's nervous about my weekend hehehe. This Saturday, my boss is gonna take us around SF to see some sights and prolly early fireworks display for the 4th of Juky celebration. I would say this trip is really great except for the fact that it wouldve been sooo much better if my hubby is here too :)

Hello Cali!

It's technically my 1st working day in San Francisco as I got here early last evening. The flight was ok since it was non-stop; plus, there was an empty seat beside me which made the 12 hour flight a bit more bearable than it should. PAL's 747 is pretty big and nice but I was a bit disappointed that the TV screens on our aisle never got fixed after the first 4 hours. I had to make do with looking at the screen of the passenger in front of me who was watching How to Train your Dragon. Too bad it was silent for me since you had to wear headsets while watching.

Oh well, it can't be all wines and roses. My boss picked us up at the SFO and was pleasantly surprised at how cold it was considering we were told that it's pretty hot here. Huh! Try the weather at Manila and feel the new definition of 'hot'.

We're staying at Biltmore Hotel and Suites in Santa Clara which is pretty far from the airport. It's about 20 minutes away from the Google offices in Mountain View. Speaking of Google, I still can't get over how cool their offices are! It reminds you of a college campus, only way cooler. They have a very young and laidback atmosphere and everywhere you go, there are cafeterias that serve FREE food for their employees (and guests, in our case). I'm not sure though if they'd allow me to take pics of their office since they're pretty big on confidentiality but I'll try to ask tomorrow.

So far I haven't done any shopping yet but I've looked around shops already (can't resist hehehe). Baby stuff here are wayyyy cheaper and I'm trying not to hyperventilate cus of too much excitement. Hopefully there will be good deals this weekend since it's the 4th of July holiday. Can't wait!!