Work

I've been wanting to post some pictures of our work locations, but thought it would be rather drab and boring.... luckily, both Arun and I have had some office parties and so the pictures are now much more interesting!

Arun's work is just a five minute walk from our apartment. It's one of the reasons he chose this building. (That way, he can roll out of bed with 15 minutes to spare and get to work by 9 am.... yes- the workday starts at 9 here!)

His building complex is really modern and nice: it's called the Business Center. There's a cafe and restaurant downstairs.

There's a salon upstairs (the one we use!). There's round-the-clock security and an actual parking lot (so that people don't just plug their cars on the sidewalk wherever there's space like in the rest of the city.)

Arun's on the 2nd floor (and he tells me he takes the stairs most of the time... most... geez.)

I took out my camera to get a picture of Arun working at his desk. As soon as he noticed me, he grabbed the phone. Because good engineering involves phonecalls? Either way, don't let him fool you- that's a fake call! (Sorry Arun, I told!)

As for the work environment- here are some tidbits:

The Ukrainian local nationals are rather formal. Everyone greeted me, shook my hand, stood up when I entered a room. Didn't I say that chivalry exists in Ukraine? It's all rather nice!

Dress, is of course, fairly casual. No one's wearing tie and coat or business suits. I'm told that only happens for important client or customer meetings.

The Ukrainian workday is technically from 9am to 6pm.

Most local nationals bring their lunches from home and eat at their desk. The American ex-pats head downstairs and eat at the restaurant (prices out of reach for locals.) There are no such things as 'lunch specials' in Ukraine. The prices are constant throughout the day- whether you come in for lunch or dinner!

Anyway- I'll end with a couple of shots from my office Christmas Party. It was quite the spread, and a lot of fun. At one point, there was a lot of toasting, which I'm told is quite customary in Ukraine. Toast- drink- Toast- drink...

Arun's work party is on Saturday- so I'll post them soon!