Downtown Bangalore--Weekend 1

Well, it's been a fast first week. It's Sunday night as I write this blog entry. Above you will see an image of my part of my room. It's comfortably but not huge. I woke up early on Saturday and walked into business park area to take a couple photos of what it looks like, plus I wanted to exchange my American currency to rupees. So attached is picture of business park and the building I am working in. Our office is on the 11th floor. The business park is pretty large and there is a mini-mall in it's center with eateries, shops, and banks. After walking around I went back to the currency exchange (there was a sign saying it opened on Saturday at 9am). I waited and waited, but no one ever came. My driver was coming at 10am so I went back to hotel and got ready.

Friday morning already

So it's Friday morning already. Sorry for not posting any real picts so far. My day to day has been mostly just walking over to work and adjusting to the time difference.
Last night was the first night I stayed up normal hours so I believe I am 100% adjusted to time zone. For big news a few guys at work took me out for lunch and I had my first authentic Indian meal. All very good and I was fine eating it. Work is going great and I am slowly getting to know everyone and used to workflow here. I need to plan for this weekends activity, which I think will include just exploring downtown Bangalore and it's local markets etc. Everyone keeps asking where I plan to visit and suggesting places, so I'll have to research and plan what and where I'll be going so that this does not slip by me.
The weather here has been fantastic. Upper 80s and no real humidity. I've just been wearing a t-shirt when I go out and still fine even at night.
The hotel is fabulous and I've been eating here primarily (also due to fact I haven't converted the american money I had on me into the Indian rupee. Not sure if I mentioned already but the conversion rate is something like $1 US = $50 Rupees. I have to get used to seeing such high numbers for prices because it's actually not much once converted.
So stay tuned in and I promise to have some more interesting posts after this weekend.

First day of work

Well, I made it through my first day in India. I didn't sleep at all when I got in. I just packed away my things and freshened up. At 11am I was picked up from the hotel and shown how to get to work. The security here is much higher than I expected. I had to scan my bag before entering business park. The Dreamworks India office is only 5 minutes away. I met a lot of people who I'd only seen through video conference. It was very fun and everyone seemed very excited to see me. I met the rest of the Matte Painting team (2 of the guys had trained in Glendale with me, so it was nice to meet the rest). My computer station wasn't completely set up since they weren't expecting me actually to work till tomorrow. Luckily they were able to get some of my stuff going and I began to paint one of my shots. I was surprised that I wasn't tired. I actually made it through the whole work day (7pm) and got back to hotel only to crash around 8-ish.
Course because of that I got up early today around 4am, but I'm sure I'll fully adjust to time though.

Arrived in Bangalore India!

Well, I am now in my hotel room settling in to being here. I had no problems at the airport. A driver had a placard with my name on it and away we went to the hotel. The hotel/work is about an hour from the airport. I arrived at 5am Tuesday morning. Even that early there was lots of people going around and traffic had begun to pick up for the morning commute. This is definitely going to be such an amazing experience. Can't wait to begin exploring.

Arrived in London at Heathrow

Made it to my first stop on the long trip. Business class seating is very very comfortable. All of business class and first class boarded in a seperate line into the plane. The seats were individual cubicles. My seat was fully automatic. I could sit straight up or recline fully flat like a bed. There were screens to partion the other people around me. Dedicated monitor that swung out. I could watch any movies, tv, etc for free. Now about the food. I had a full option of appetizers, salad, and 4 main course selections.
I had an excellent prawn appetizer, and salmon with finger potatoes. Dessert on top of that. I could have any beverage, alcoholic or otherwise.
At end of flight had a full service breakfast.
This first leg of 10 hours in flight was the most comfortable I've ever experienced.
I'm hoping to take a photo of seat when I board for this flight to Bangalore.

Leaving LA

So it begins. I am now at the airport in LAX. There was no line for international terminal whatsoever. When I received my ticket the attendant told me that I could have stood in a different line for Business class. Yes, did I mention I am flying Business class? This is my first experience with it. I promptly went through security and was told I can enter the Lounge on the 5th floor. Let me tell you entering through that pearly gates of the unknown was interesting. You cannot access the lounge unless First Class or Business class. Inside this inner sanctum is plush seating and tables galore. No crowds and no hustle and bustle. There are free computer terminals to access the Internet while everyone waits, but if you have your laptop (which I do) you can access wi/fi for free! There is free food and drinks provided. A whole range of choices to boot. I feel like the Seinfeld episode where he and Elaine travel and 1 ticket for first class is available. Talk about pampered. So all in all I'd say this is a beautiful beginning to this trip.

Flight details

Well, it's been crazy trying to get the details from work.
I am flying out on this Sunday at 5pm, and won't get to India till Tues morning in early 5am. I will be flying business class too! Very swanky.

I'll be staying in a hotel attached to the business park where my work is at. Only short 5 min or so walk, very convenient. It all sounds very upscale with a gym, spa, and nice restaurant in Hotel. Plus in basement of business park is a full shopping mall.

Work is loaning me a blackberry (with international calling) and a laptop to access wi/fi internet at the worksite. Work there is offline from internet due to security issues for the projects.

Now I have rush off and put together my taxes now. I have appointment with accountant tomorrow so I don't have to worry about that while I'm away.