Snow In Munich
Like I already mentioned yesterday, I’m in Munich (Germany) for a 4-day course called MS-101. The program for today is pretty light. Welcome here and there, some objectives of the courses and keynotes. I’m looking forward to the interactive workshops and the ‘Living The Brand’ presentation about the Microsoft culture and values. Not that I haven’t seen that around me already, but I think it’s going to be pretty funny to see how ‘us Europeans’ differ in the presentation style from the videos I’ve been shown that have been made in America. We don’t have a Steve Ballmer here. At least, I haven’t met one yet, so there’s not going to be a brand boost with such a thrill around it, I think.
When I look around me, and listen, I hear Polish, Russian, German… and some other Slavic languages I don’t know of. Last night when I arrived at the airport it was chilly. There were no taxis because apparently, by following the exit signs, I ended up at the back of the airport. Then a taxi pulled up and I approached him. “Microsoft?” he asked? I was surpized. I didn’t know I looked like “Microsoft”. “Yes” I replied. He started loading my bags in the trunk of a big Mercedes. Then he started speaking in German, asking me if there was any snow in Zurich. I told him I didn’t know because I’m from Belgium. Then he looked funny and turned around the car. Apparently a guy from Switzerland called him and he arrived in the airport a few minutes after me. So we waited a bit until he came out of the exit and then we were off to the hotel.
About 30 minutes later we arrived. The taxi driver was really friendly. I know why. My hotel is a pretty far bit away from the conference center. He immediately offered to come pick me up every morning the next couple of days, and also to bring me back at night. Apparently we always start at 9 AM and end at 9 PM. It’s going to be long days, but I’m looking forward to networking with all these new people.
Last night on the ride to the hotel, the cabbie was complaining the it wasn’t snowing in Munich yet. He said he didn’t expect it for another few weeks, but overnight, his wishes were granted. I woke up at 7 this morning and the world was looking all white. Damn. I didn’t bring boots or anything. I’m just walking around here in my ‘hooray it’s almost spring’ clothes. I didn’t know I’d had to bring winter clothing as well.
Anyway. Break’s over. Back to the presentations.
January 23rd, 2007 at 11:04 am
It’s snowing also in Vienna. First time in this year and winter.
And before two days all the newspapers had headtitle: “11 milions Euro gone in Kitzbuhel!!” “Kitzbuhel without Snow” etc.
For the Slavic languages, I can help you :)
And, the most important: Munich is nice and comfortable place, a bit more expensive ;) not like Brussels, but more as Gent ;)