The first day did not disappoint, I was put up in the rather posh downtown Hilton by the company. I headed there after the overnight flight for a shower and to look presentable for work that same day. I was advised by my boss HH to wear a tie so he could show me off to his boss. I had never worn a tie to work before. Meeting my coworkers I find that most of them are male and European. And within the European contingent, they are mostly German. In fact, my boss and my other teammate M are German. I am so immersed in German people that by the end of the week, I find myself actually thinking with a German accent. Before the day is over I am handed a beer by a female coworker, as we drink and chat over beers at her desk I can't help but marvel that I have crossed the Red Sea into the Promised Land. Later that night, HH takes me to Darling Harbor for one of the juiciest steaks I've ever had along with a bottle of wine. We are joined by his Korean wife and 8 year old son. HH tells me that I am intended for training for a month before I start dealing with clients. I see that I am going to enjoy working with HH.
The office is in North Sydney, a couple of blocks past the Sydney Harbor bridge, I typically take the train in from CBD (Central Business District i.e. downtown core). After the one night in the Hilton, I relocated to an apartment provided by the company that is one block from Darling Harbor. I frequently have my meals after work at the eateries lining the harbor, they all have excellent views.
