May 22, 2010 - Mexico D.F.

This week I began my adventure in Mexico City for a month with Google. I am spending my time supporting our Mexico sales teams since they are significantly understaffed, while continuing to maintain my responsibilities on my US team.

As you might imagine, the culture in Mexico is very different than in the States... even at Google. The team here is very short staffed (i.e. 12 people supporting the entire Mexican market) and they work very very hard! An average day in the office in LatAm is from around 9:30am - 8pm. To my disappointment, siestas only exist in the more rural parts of the country :( and with the exception of yesterday's office outing to the 'tunnel' taco stands (supposedly "real" mexican food), our lunch breaks are short. However, with hard works comes hard play. Last night's club experience was not the least of them. After an office beer & pizza get together on Eric rooftop deck, I learned the term "beer and pizza" is used very loosely here in Mexico. The event turned into more of a "tequila drinks, tequila shots, & mezcal - a form of agave liquor" - party. We then caravanned to Bulldog Cafe (a name which for me brings to mind a divvy burger joint in Athens, GA but to them is a very machismo posh establishment) where we had table service and listened to a variety of music, ranging from Green Day to Bon Jovi. And of course, the evening would not be complete without a stop on the way home to have some of " the best tacos in Mexico." Only pictures can describe this drive up hole-in-the-wall garage with over 100 people waiting for food at 3am. As true Googlers, the Mexico office really seems to enjoy their work, appreciate their play, and take care of each other!

The part of the city where I am staying, La Zona Polcano, is like 5th Avenue of NY or Michigan Ave of Chicago. It is one of the most active areas with upscale hotels and shopping and a variety of street cafes and restaurant, ranging from comida tipica de Paraguay to sushi & sake bars. Additionally it is only 1km from the office and the walk with Tobias along Parque Lincoln is really nice in the morning.

My afterwork activities as I get aquatinted with Polanco have not be devoid of good company. The people I have met at Google range from native Argentines, educated in the states, to Harvard educated Mexicans who grew up in the states and have since returned home, to Chilangos (the name for natives born and raised Mexico City). Our outings have included dinner at a traditional Argentine restaurant, a stroll around Polanco with some fro-yo, an upscale Mexican dinner, a visit to the local grocery store, and even the guilty pleasure of a night on the couch with hummus and a bottle of wine watching Glee, all with new friends.

This afternoon we have plans to visit Xochimilco, which is on the top 10 list for things to do while in Mexico City. Additionally I have hopes of visiting el Bosque Chalputepec and la Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo lived. Much love to all and more updates to come as the adventure continues! Hasta Luego!