Quarantine update: 0+3

Long awaited change in policy. The removal of hotel quarantine requirements for inbound travellers arriving into Hong Kong. It feels like a small win considering most other countries have removed all restrictions, and ultimately this really only helps residences but it's a step in the right direction.

So what does this mean? 3 days of self-monitoring, daily testing and minimised interaction with the public without masks (Restricted access to venues that require Leavehomesafe app sign in. Read: Gyms, bars, restaurants).

Quarantine: 3+4

Finally, a change to the rules. 3 days of hotel quarantine, plus 4 days of self monitoring. Quite enjoying this little speed hump

USI Roadtrip: Return to New York

People think "Oh you're going to the US for work, that's awesome!". It is and it isn't. I'm still not at that phase where I don't enjoy traveling for work, particularly with all the restrictions over the last couple of years it is nice to get out. But it's not all glamour. I think our busiest day was a 7 am start for client meeting 2 meetings throughout the day and the a final meeting at 9 pm. The days can be long, there can be a lot of dead time. The hotels where we stayed for one night, we barely unpacked and kept all our stuff inside the bag. The destinations where we didn't stay over night we had luggage with us. 

Despite all of this it was good to talk to clients, see colleagues as well as catch up with friends in New York.

 

USI Roadtrip: Minneapolis

Final destination. Final meeting. In and out, one last meal with Liam and back to New York. Client stuff completed!

Chia Lattes have become the drink of the trip.

USI Roadtrip: Chicago

Just over halfway through the trip. The early starts, late finishes, delayed flights, taxis to the airport, taxis from the airport, TSA lines, jet lag and admittedly too much alcohol are starting to catch up. We get into Chicago a little later than expected, it's raining, first sign of wet weather. Also, it's cold, on the cusp of winter, luckily we don't need a different wardrobe. 

Really enjoying the running, managed to crank out a good long run near Lake Michigan. Also managed to have a deep dish pizza and a Chicago hot dog. Crossing those items off the list.

USI Roadshow: Richmond

Into Richmond for a client dinner - probably should have stayed downtown for this one as there literally is nothing to do near the airport and the hotel was super depression. Decent donuts out here, no photo from dinner.

Mental note, do not eat at Richmond Airport restaurant, unless you want dry toast and clumpy soup. It's interesting to see how many flights are overbooked out here. Literally, paying patrons to get off the flight back to Chicago. 900 USD to forfeit the flight and take the same flight tomorrow. Makes for interesting viewing though, they needed four people to step down, before they started reading names off the stand by list. Murica.

USI Roadshow: Philadelphia

Last minute pivot, bit worried flying into JFK then rushing to train station. Ended up taking a direct flight from Boston to Philly, a quick lunch (and a Philly cheese steak) and we're on the 80 mins Amtrak back to Penn Station. Didn't really take any photos though.

USI Roadshow: Boston

What a frantic start to the trip, lost mobiles, lack of reception, it's a whirl. Off to Boston, not looking forward to the domestic flights. Second time here in Boston, felt a lot more productive and also controlled, these trips are always a blur of early mornings and late starts. Managed to have some classic Boston Seafood, chowders, oysters and lobster rolls as well as a Roast Beef Sandwich. Also managed to bang out a run, will try to run in each city now and give the heart something to do after 3 months of 'taking it easy'.

Tried to go to Bricc's, add to list of places to re-attempt when in a better mood.

USI Roadshow: New York City

Feeling pretty good right now, have been asked to be part of the East Coast Marketing Roadshow, see some clients, some prospects, colleagues and some friends. First stop, back in the Big Apple for Labour Day weekend.

Couple of last minute changes, was supposed to come in over the weekend but managed to pull a Thursday afternoon meeting with a client, so flying in a bit earlier.  Which means I get the WHOLE weekend here which is nice. 

Most people are out of town due the long weekend, but most is not all. Caught up with Matt, Subs, Kyall, JC and Jenna. Current obsession, sandwich shop across the road from hotel, warm sandwiches and fresh bagels. Finally got to try Peter Luger's and some Ethiopian food. Solid start to the trip. Real work starts on Monday. It's nice to travel again for work.