Philadephia - Random "Facts" & Thoughts

• I will never get used to the toilets in the US (random, but true and the reason I make this comment is it is almost like they were built on the basis that no American is over 5 ft - the toilets are tiny)
• We were bought Philly pretzels for breakfast this morning as we had to start super early as we are way behind the agenda – and they were revolting.  As an FYI in case you are ever in Philly and anyone offers you one…  I was encouraged to put mustard on it – which I did, which increased the revoltingness by about 10x
• I ordered salmon for dinner last night with steamed vegetables – and forgot to ask for everything on the side (you laugh at the American movies when this happens - example Steve Martin in L.A. Story - remember when a coffee was ordered - here's the clip.  It seemed extraordinary to me at the time, now it makes sense:  LA Story - Ordering Coffee LA Style).  Any who I digress..  My healthy dinner came out covered in BBQ and chipotle sauce on the salmon and a litre of butter on the vegies - destroying my healthy dinner...
• I went running this morning at 5am – very crisp but nice.  In Australia we see dead kangaroos, possums and stuff (well, actually where I live I do not see dead anything except for the odd family pet who ventured onto the road) BUT here there are dead deers just randomly on the side of the road – they are HUGE – and it is kinda sad
• I told someone I was going to NY for the weekend and all they could talk about is Ebola – sigh, I think there is more chance of being mugged, stabbed or kidnapped by the Russian mafia and used in a prostitution ring (I have had Law & Order SVU on most of the time I have been here, thus my creativity/imagination) before I catch Ebola. 
•  I think I am managing 3 hours sleep a night.  While I don’t have jet lag as such, sleeping is near impossible due to my body clock – so by Friday I will be super grumpy (perhaps meaning anyone who tries to mug me may decide not to once they get “the look”?)

Steer clear of these...  But I guess my dislike of Philly pretzels is only
equivalent to their dislike of vegemite...


Streets of Philadelphia Day 2

I wondered if you would surface jetlag.  And you did.  36 hours after I get here.  Thank you.  You didn't disappoint.  Tossing and turning till 4.30am is always a treat.

On the upside - my hair is doing great guns over here - no humidity!  Who knew you could achieve straight hair so easily..

And so Sunday in Philadelphia begins..

Streets of Philadelphia

I'm in Philadelphia.  It took nearly 30 hours and 3 flights to get here but I am here.  I was worried about the jet lag but luckily I travelled Premium Economy (not quite business class but let me tell you, it is a far cry from economy) and got here after midnight so went straight to bed AND I woke up okay..

I'm here from work with all the other talent acquisition leads from round the world, which is exciting as I've only ever spoken to most of these people a few times a week for the past few years.  I'm appreciative I have a job that allows me to travel and see parts of the world I wouldn't normally see (China being point and case, I would never choose to go there).  To be honest I probably wouldn't have made it to Philadelphia if it wasn't for work but I'm glad I am here.

It is a pretty city.  It is currently autumn (or fall if you are American) and it is what I remember autumn in Tasmania to be.  The oak trees have leaves that are hues of orange and yellow and they crumble under your feet when you tread on them.  I saw a squirrel while I was out for a walk (cute little critters).  The air is crisp, the sky is blue and it has a kind of small town feel about it.

Tomorrow I get to go to King of Prussia - a huge shopping centre, so I have been told AND the best part is I get 3 days in NYC on the way home, which I am very excited about.  Me in a very big city fending for myself and trying to blend in with the crowd..

I was sitting in my hotel room this afternoon just as Australia woke up, looking through Facebook and considered what life would be like if I lived here.  I saw posts from my friends who are enjoying the weekend and the sunshine.  I realised if I was to come and work in the US I'd miss everyone terribly.  Is it a reality?  Maybe...  Is it something I want?  Perhaps..  I guess I'll find out as time goes on.  For now I will enjoy my week here and enjoy my days in NYC.  And wait to see if I end up here one day.