They don't even have shrimp in Australia

They're called prawns...not shrimp. So where does that phrase come from (shrimp on the barbie)? No idea.

I had a great time in Australia...One of the top employment attraction drivers for Australians is good work-life balance - and it showed. I was impressed by their easy-going attitudes and all the great legs everywhere. Though, they aren't too happy about drunk people being in their bars...so our group got kicked out of a few places (this may surprise you, but it wasn't because of me!). I got quizzed by every doorman...how much have you had to drink? When was it? What was it?

I went there for work - stayed the weekend for a music festival. Good times all around...though I left exhausted and only had a 6 days before I took off for India. I even got an work-related award!

For work, we rented out a boat and spent an afternoon on a booze-cruise. I also was able to meet up with a buddy I knew while I lived in Peru.

Thanks for reading.
Much love,
Jake

Japan, Australia, India...in one month

And I didn't take any official days off work...how's that! Well, I was in Japan for pleasure, but we had 4 days off for Chinese New Year. Then off to Sydney for work, where we have our APAC Headquarters (though the 'HQ' is moving to Singapore). We had our 2011 kick-off...and when everyone is in the same city, lots of boozing ensues. The past week I was in India for more work functions and took the weekend to see how Delhi gets down, and check off the Taj Mahal.

Here are some pics from Japan..which is a fascinating place. I just got the feeling walking around there that they are all playing on the same team. Where in China they are pretending like they are playing on the same team, but they're apathetic towards the team. Singapore isn't really playing, they're just caddying. Vietnam you feel the ambition in the air...like they are all in try-outs, wanting to make the team. India, well, they can't really play because they are all looking for a way to be the coach. That's the best way I could describe it. I'm not too sure about my reflections other than Japan as I just made those up now...but I recall walking around Japan thinking it feels like they're all playing on the same team, which was motivating.

Japanese were polite...verging on friendly. The girls dress like seductresses. The food made me want to eat all day. The "maid cafes" were disturbing that they're in business and people pay lots of money for bad food/drinks just to sit around in what feels like an elementary school. The bars/clubs were a maze. The bullet trains made me want to slap America for not already having high-speed rail throughout the country - really America?? Really? Falling far behind indeed. Let's at least borrow money from China for cool shit...

I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka - all fabulous places. There is a saying for those who have visited a lot of cities...that they all seem the same. Not Tokyo. Tokyo is in a different league.

Much love,
Jake