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.

East Coast

The annual trip out to the East Coast, I'm grateful that this year's trip is earlier in the year. I still have (traumatic) memories of last year's post-Thanksgiving trip and being severely underprepared clothing-wise. The confronting reality that I'm a thirty-something year old profession who is incapable of keeping myself warm is concerning. The already positive of this year's trip is that it is earlier in the school semester so I'm less troubled about school and missing out on assessments.

Marketing trips, on paper sound glamorous. Business Class flights, Five Star Hotels, Client Drinks and Meals. However, there is a side to the travel when you're sitting in a bar trying to keep warm waiting for the next meeting at 10 pm. I can't imagine having to do this trip solo, so I'm thankful that I get travel with one of the more senior colleagues. Who admittedly, managed to keep me sane especially during the times of attrition, late night meetings, early morning flights. Our trip this time of the year was targeted, hitting up prospects and clients mostly in New York, Virginia, Washington DC and finally Chicago. Another successful trip, multiple clients, plenty of wins as well as some quality downtime around the East Coast.

East Coast

Blocked sinuses, sore throats, heavy feet. It's been a long East Coast tour. From New York, to Boston, to DC to Chicago. Meetings in the middle of the night at coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Good exposure to the overseas client base, good quality time with colleagues and even some sightseeing. Looking forward to getting back to Hong Kong.