In early June 2019, I had the opportunity to go on my first business trip! It was such an exciting experience as I travelled to Silicon Valley in San Francisco with our project manager and engineering lead. Even though our schedule was packed with meetings and discussions, I couldn’t contain my excitement about visiting a tech company in such a vibrant and innovative city!
After a long day of flying, it was such a joy to finally to step out of the plane and feel the warm sunshine on my face! Since I don’t know how to drive, I had to rely on my colleagues to take turns behind the wheel. They certainly kept me on my toes and made the journey quite enjoyable!
As I kick back in the back seat, I can’t help but admire the view outside. It’s funny how the road signs here in US remind me so much of the ones in Hong Kong – similar fonts, colours and all caps for the destinations. The bold, uniquely American font really stands out. It’s the little things that make travelling so interesting!
When we finally reached our destination, we were greeted with one of the best meal of our trip – delicious lobster rolls. Even though I’m not usually a fan of lobster, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every bite. The food not only tasted amazing but looked beautiful as well. As I savoured my meal, I couldn’t help but get caught up in my colleagues’ stories about the lobster farm. Where exactly did these live lobsters come from?
After that, we got to check out the NASA tourist site. The building had a really cool, futuristic vibe, and with the wide open space and clear skies all around, it was easy to picture the desert and aerospace research happening right there. It was our first stop in Silicon Valley, and we were all super excited to snap some pictures outside. Inside, there was a cute little souvenir shop. The vintage display boards, T-shirts, planet models and astronaut gear took me back to when I used to explore the old Space Museum in Hong Kong.
I couldn’t help but wonder if sprucing up the place with some decorations would attract more visitors. As we left the shop, I noticed the NASA research centre was just nearby. It turns out this shop is affiliated with it, which probably explains why there weren’t too many people around.
As we strolled away from that spot, we noticed how closely Americans follow traffic regulations. It was different than what I had expected. I always assumed Europeans and Americans often cross the street without waiting for a car to pass by, like Hong Kong locals. We even jaywalked a bit when we didn’t see any danger approaching. But we were quickly reminded by a security guard to be more careful. I also noticed that pedestrians and cyclists patiently waited for the signal to turn green before crossing the road. It was quite interesting to see everyone following the rules so diligently!
Edmodo Headquarters
After heading back to the city centre, we stopped by our sister company Edmodo, to kick off our business trip. Edmodo is a well-known online education platform in the US. It was exciting to see their new office space, nestled by the lake and surrounded by beautiful willow trees. We had a productive workday from 9 to 5, followed by some sightseeing and delicious dinner. Even though late-night meetings in the hotel room pushed our physical limits, we powered through together as a team.
In comparison to Hong Kong, people here tend to wrap up work a bit earlier. By 5 or 6 pm, the office was pretty quiet with just a few managers around, while we were busy brainstorming at the whiteboard. Everyone seemed to have a clear boundary between work and personal life, making it a bit awkward to ask for overtime. Since there weren’t many restaurants nearby, the company provided a self-service lunch option. We were all equally excited about the pizza and I couldn’t wait to dig into the sushi. The menu varied each day with options like tomato rice, beans, chips, grilled meats, and of course, everyone’s favorite sweet drinks. Even though I found the food a bit oily, it was a great opportunity to bond with my colleagues and learn more about their families.
I’ve noticed some folks enjoy snacking on a bag of chips as a meal, and for them, whether it’s potato chips, mashed potatoes, French fries or potato wedges, they all hold a special place in their hearts. And after spending a few days in the city, I can’t help but miss the comforting warmth of a hot bowl of rice from my hometown.
At around 4 or 5pm, the staff headed out to grab a bite to eat and relax. There was a big basketball game happening that day with a really popular team, so our colleague and some of the team who where fans were buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to sample some delicious savoury and sweet dishes.
In the afternoon, we had a delightful time eating, drinking and visiting the cooperative company Got It. The founder, a young Vietnamese man, and the manager welcomed us warmly. They even sweetly gave me some canned Japanese green tea, a little taste of home from Hong Kong. We chatted about their experiences starting a business in Vietnam and working with employees from all over the world, which was truly inspiring.
I really enjoyed working with the other manager as well. He was truly amazing! Whenever we faced a problem during our meetings, he always knew how to resolve it effectively. I was so impressed by how he managed to keep things under control and his way of using the whiteboard to explain things was really inspiring. It made me realise the importance of visual aids in our meetings, so now I try to incorporate the whiteboard more often. This really helps to make sure everyone is understanding the same thing and prevents any confusion.
After work, the three of us decided to make the most of our free time by exploring the city and taking in all the sights. It was such a fun way to unwind and enjoy ourselves, despite the fact that I’m not as energetic as I used to be – but hey, that’s just part of getting older, right? Haha!
Googleplex
I was so lucky to have the opportunity to visit the amazing Googleplex in Mountain View!
From the moment I stepped into the park, I was greeted by a lovely scent that immediately put a smile on my face. The grass was dotted with pretty yellow flowers. It was clear that Google had really thought of everything to create a beautiful and inviting park for all to enjoy.
The park had a laid-back vibe, like a mix between a college campus and a fun summer camp. There were cozy buildings that I guessed were where the employees lived, and even a gift shop for souvenirs. And in the heart of it all were buildings that looked like classrooms, complete with a glass conference room for meetings. I even spotted a badminton court and a bike path, making it easy to explore the park on a colorful G-bike.
Overall, my visit to the Googleplex felt like a unique and memorable experience that I won’t soon forget.
Google Android Statues Square
Another must-see spots is the Android Statues Square! It’s a place that really takes me back to my early days of designing mobile apps. You’ll find all of Android’s codename statues here, making it a great spot for all the Android fans out there to snap some pictures.
I remember trying to guess the next version of Android with my colleagues. The code names were all snacks and sweets, which was pretty cute. It was always a fun game to see who could guess the next one right! But things changed with Android 10, and the naming method was no longer the same. It’s a bit sad to see that the statues have started to show wear and tear with the new naming system. Sadly, the square was taken down not long after we returned to Hong Kong.
Stanford University
Whenever I visit a foreign university, I always feel a wave of excitement and awe. One memorable afternoon, we had the opportunity to explore Stanford University, and let me tell you, that campus is truly something else! It’s so big and impressive, I was a bit lost at first trying to find my way around. But as I walked around, I couldn’t help but be mesmerised by the stunning architecture of the teaching buildings and structures. The classroom building, in particular, was like something out of a fairy tale – with its ancient design, delicate carvings, and beautiful decorations. And you know what caught my eye the most? The word “ENGINEERING” engraved at the top of the building! I couldn’t help but wonder, can you imagine studying engineering in such a culturally rich and breathtaking place? It truly felt like a dream come true.
Golden Gate Park
Taking pictures of people and being in the pictures, as well as capturing the stunning red bridge, is a favorite pastime for locals. The seaside setting, complete with lush grasslands and fishing spots, offers breathtaking views. We had a blast playing around on the grass, snapping panoramic shots, but boy, did we feel wiped out by the end of the day! As we sat on the pier, the strong wind tousling our hair, we couldn’t resist snapping a few more photos of the Golden Gate Bridge during that magical golden hour. We made sure to strike poses that didn’t make us look like our older relatives.
We made our way up the steps to the bridge, passing through a cool red brick tunnel covered in colorful graffiti. By the time we reached the top, I was pretty tired, but the journey was made more interesting by the sculptures along the way that told the story of the bridge. When we finally arrived at the bridge, it was just a regular old bridge for cars, which was a bit underwhelming. After snapping a quick picture, we headed back into the dimly-lit tunnel.
The sun seemed to last forever in the US during this time of year, making it easy to lose track of time. Before we knew it, it was already 8pm as the sky began to darken, and almost 9pm by the time we made our way back down the bridge. No wonder my stomach was growling – it was definitely time for some dinner!
Facebook Headquarters
We were so excited to visit the Facebook HQ as part of our itinerary, but we only had a few hours to spare, so we ended up knocking on the door at night! Trying to find the entrance turned out to be a bit tricky; we kept checking Google Maps on our phones, but the buildings were labeled with numbers and letters, which was pretty confusing.
“I don’t think this is the visitors’ entrance,” I mentioned, looking around.
As we got out of the car to explore, we realised it was late and there was no one around. All we could see were the iron gates and the guard booth, which looked pretty heavily guarded. There was a bus stop nearby, and we guessed that some people waiting there were Facebook employees. It reminded me of my early days waiting for the bus outside my first job at Cyberport – it felt so lonely at night.
After struggling to find the entrance a few times, we started to wonder if it was because it was so late. Eventually, our brave engineering lead decided to hop on an unfamiliar bike to try and find the way, while I stayed behind, feeling exhausted and sleepy, waiting for good news. Finally, we spotted the iconic 1 Hacker Way next to some roadworks, which became our only photo opportunity at the Facebook HQ.
Car-through – evidence of our hard work
We had a great time talking about our trip, but then we realized we needed to buckle down and put in some serious work, staying up late into the night.
After our visit to Facebook HQ around 10pm, we were getting pretty hungry. We decided to find a 24-hour fast-food spot, like McDonald’s, and noticed a line of cars waiting for takeaway (also known as car-through). We felt a bit rushed to make our decision as we snapped photos of the menu board to pick our orders, not realising the trouble we were getting ourselves into!
It was really dark, like I couldn’t even see my own hands in front of me. And then there was this black intercom thing right in front of the menu – turns out it was for placing our order! We had to give them our order number and number plate. When we finally made it to the front of the restaurant, the waiter told us we had to line up again because we didn’t order correctly. After more than 20 minutes of feeling super hungry, we finally got our food. I was so exhausted that I didn’t even feel like talking. When we got back to the hotel, I had no clue what time it was. All I knew was that I was happy I ordered the chicken rice! It was a hot meal that still tasted amazing, and it really warmed me up and made me feel better. That night, we had dinner, organised our Trello cards, and had meetings to prep for the work we had to do the next day.
When we got back to Hong Kong, we couldn’t wait to share all the fun stories with our colleagues. They had a great idea – since we were having trouble finding a restaurant open at night, why not order from Uber Eats? It was like a lightbulb went off for all of us – none of us had even thought of that! I guess we were all just so tired that day.
Clothing of Americans
So, there were these two guys and a gal headed off on a work trip, and I couldn’t help but envy them for their no-fuss wardrobe choices. They could just throw on a shirt and pants and be good to go. I, on the other hand, hadn’t even thought about what to pack and was stressing about it. But when I got there, I realised I had been overthinking it.
Turns out, Americans keep it simple with basic T-shirts, jeans, and maybe a jacket if it’s chilly. It’s a pretty standard look. I stuck with the clothes I brought, but at least I didn’t have to worry about keeping up with the latest trends. It was definitely a relief and helped me feel more at ease.
In the U.S., people really love rocking plain T-shirts! And, they’re always so grateful to receive company logo shirts as presents. Although, you can never be too sure if they’ll actually wear them or not. On the flip side, over in Asia, it’s not as common to give out company logo T-shirts as gifts. It’s not really expected that the person receiving it will actually wear it. Just a little difference in culture between the two regions!
A career in Silicon Valley
When many of us in the Asian community dream about landing a job at a tech giant, it can be pretty surprising for those in Silicon Valley to hear that we tend to stick around in our roles for 3-4 years. Over in Hong Kong, on the other hand, two years is typically all it takes to really settle into a job. Do you think that two years is really enough time to make a lasting impact?
I used to dream about working for big tech companies like Apple and Google, you know, where all the super talented people go and they have awesome perks. It would be so cool to be a part of their team, but man, I hear their interviews are tough! How do people here chat about it so casually?
Technology Wonders
Hey there! Guess what? Local parents are getting their kiddos involved in STEM and robotics as early as kindergarten and primary school! How cool is that?! Building robots with STEM teaching elements sounds like a blast. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that even younger students are diving into STEM education. Some might think it’s too soon for the little ones, but hey, logic and hands-on activities are skills that can be learned by anyone, no matter the age. The earlier they grasp those concepts, the better! And don’t worry about creativity taking a hit – kids are like sponges when it comes to learning, so they can handle it. Let’s encourage our young ones to explore the exciting world of STEM from a young age!
Hey there! Apart from education, have you noticed how the technology in Silicon Valley is everywhere you look? It’s not just something you hear about – it’s a big part of everyday life here. Unlike in Japan, Silicon Valley is always buzzing with new and innovative creations that come from pure creativity. Just take a look at the Bitcoin machines outside grocery stores, hi-tech key machines, electric cars, and charging stations popping up all over the place. So, do you lean more towards tech that you can see and touch, or do you prefer when it seamlessly integrates into your daily routine?
Afterword
One day in May 2019, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. I was on my way to the US consulate to apply for a visa. As I approached the gate, the security guard kindly pointed out that my bag was a slightly large for their regulations. Talk about bad timing! With only 30 minutes left before my appointment, I was feeling the pressure. It was my first time traveling abroad for business, and I couldn’t believe I hit a snag before I even set foot outside the country!
If I wasn’t able to submit my visa application today, all the money the company spent on the visa fee and business agenda would have gone down the drain. It’s just so frustrating, you know?
I was feeling overwhelmed with negative thoughts all of a sudden. I couldn’t decide whether to reach out to my loved ones or colleagues who were close by for help, or just leave the bag at the cafe across the street. After taking a moment to calm down, I braved the rain and hopped in a taxi to head to the metro station to store my belongings.
As I hopped into the taxi, relieved to see the rain had finally stopped, I couldn’t help but chuckle at my soaked shoes. I thought to myself, “Well, looks like it’s time to retire this pair!”
The driver, with a calm demeanour, paid attention to my concerns and quickly assessed the situation. He assured me that we had plenty of time for the round trip and encouraged me, saying, “Miss, just turn around and you’ll be at Hong Kong Station in no time. You can go in without any worries. You’ll definitely make it!”
Many people complain about Hong Kong taxi drivers being rude, but I had a completely different experience. I was incredibly fortunate to come across a taxi driver who was incredibly kind. I had accidentally left behind my important items and was panicking as I rushed to get back to the consulate in the pouring rain.
I made it to the consulate right on time, just like the driver had predicted. The atmosphere inside was a bit tense, not so much due to the security measures but more because the local staff were pretty serious. They didn’t hesitate to scold anyone in line who was moving too slow. One of the ladies even gave me a talking to for being a bit too casual, acting like I was up to no good. The foreign staff handling the window inspection seemed pretty stoic, asking me about where I was headed and what kind of work I did. I wasn’t sure if they’d get what a UX designer does, so I just told them I design mobile apps as a web designer. It was the truth, even if it wasn’t the whole story.
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