Checking in

I know I've been MIA but that's what happens when you work for a global company where a lot of the activity generates out of the U.S.. You work your day job then begin a second shift in the evening of calls (probably because of my inability to manage work/life balance as of yet). I'm not whining and what this has done is given me more of an appreciation and sensitivity for my team members that do this every day for much longer than the 6 months I'm here.

This past week was particularly busy so that has definitely affected the frequency of blog postings. When I started this adventure, I thought I could get a post everyday, but that is tough to do especially when you want to provide some content worth reading to friends and family.

The big event for me this week was checking out Pizza Hut with one of my work colleagues. I have to admit, I was really looking forward to this lunch. When I was over here in January 2011 I had the fortune of dining at a Pizza Hut in Bangalore and it certainly did not disappoint. In fact, my memory was that it was better than the U.S.. After the visit this week, that opinion has not changed.

The first thing that makes Pizza Hut in India better than the U.S. is the price. For 179 rupees and tax I can get a personal pan pizza, 2 pieces of garlic cheese bread and a soda/water. Not bad really since that equates out to like $3.50ish USD. Not bad at all.

And getting back to the food, call me crazy, but the quality just seems way better here in India. The food actually comes out looking like it does in the menu or on advertisements (not like in the U.S. where consistency of product isn't exactly a strength of the Hut). There is the anticipated mix of local flavor but then you also have the usual suspects. I had the spicy chicken personal pan which is Indian spiced chicken, green peppers and onions. I'd order this back in the U.S. no doubt and this will be my go to while here in country.

The food quality and presentation is great, the price is undeniable and from the video you can see it's a pretty nice atmosphere. It's no wonder whenever I talk to my colleagues about Pizza Hut they say they love it. It's like back in the 90's when I was growing up when Pizza Hut was at it's best in the U.S.. HR is hard at it here too. I can only imagine the work the HR people responsible for field operations in India have to do.



Anyways, this week is going to be just as busy but I'll be heading off to Portugal for the weekend which I'm ecstatic about. I get to see the first lady, we are doing a ton of fun activities (go carts, bull fighting, biking tour) and I get to get a great steak. Excited doesn't even begin to describe it.  

And I better come back with a euro look like this guy. Those shoulder pad things are fire.

Cheers.