Derek Snyder: February 2008 Archives

Just arrived in Barcelona this morning, one of the few times in my life that I'll be here in Spain and not be jet lagged. I'll definitely plan to soak that up and bask in the glow while the rest of my colleagues cradle their coffee and rub their watering eyes.

All was going well until I sent off some laundry. Being on the road for 13 days means I get to send some stuff out through the hotel, both for laundry and for dry cleaning. I was shocked to receive back my (now noticeably worn) brand new grey pants with a bit of a damp, laundered look!

I tried calling the housekeeping department, but of course, none of them spoke English. After a few minutes of me creating words that are barely Spanish and probably closer to Klingon, I just brought the pants down to the front desk.

After another 15 minutes and countless serfs bringing in their managers, I was told that someone who could actually compensate me for my now laundered dry-clean only pants would actually not be in until Monday. Monday, of course, is the big start of the conference so it was clear I wasn't going to be around to chat.

"What hours will he be in?", I asked. "9:00 to 3:00", she answered. Perfect.

To commemorate my last night in foggy London town, I decided to head out in search of the most traditional of English dishes: Fish and Chips. I wanted to find a restaurant that not only offered fresh fish, but also the rare crisp and succulent qualities that are often not present in today's mainstream instantiations of this classic dish.

Low and behold, I discovered a restaurant called Mermaid's Tail. Despite being intrigued, I decided against ordering the restaurant's namesake dish, for fear that it might actually be made from real mermaids. Or worse, a merman.

Either way, I'm happy to report that not only was it one of the largest cuts of fresh cod that I had ever seen fried, but also the most sweet and delicious. This restaurant will definitely be on my must-eat-at list for future visits to London. You've done it again, Brits!

I couldn't help myself but visit the Apple store here in London. Ok, so maybe I was a little lost and was trying to use Google Maps on an iPhone to get directions. That's neither here nor there...

Anyway, I had heard murmurs that the iPhone's mapping was a bit off for European countries, but it became all too real for me today.

Something tells me that this isn't exactly the most direct route.

After a week filled with analyst and press briefings, I decided to take a few hours and tour around London. I did this, of course, until all of Redmond woke up and started getting on email.

The day was absolutely perfect. Blue skies and temperatures into the mid fifties. There was even a point where I took off my jacket. I really enjoyed the chance to walk around the city and get knee deep in the culture.

I was even able to practice some Britishisms on the Starbuck's barista.

Me: What-o chap, how are you?

Barista: Very well, yeah, and you?

Me: Very well, thank you. Might I have a tall soy vanilla latte?

Barista: Yes, very much indeed, sir. Is that all?

Me: That would be just spiffy, old boy.

Barista: That will be 3 pounds, thirty, sir.

Me: Here's four quid.

Barista: Alright then.

Me: Cheers mate!

Being knee deep in the culture has its benefits. Instead of saying, "I'll call you", I get to say "I'll ring you". So much more descriptive, wouldn't you agree?

I was glad to be able to check out the National Gallery. I was there about 2 years ago with some friends, but as memory serves I was quite ill then (it was week 3 of a European backpacking). Being able to look at art and bits of culture with my normal body temperature proved to be quite a thrill. I even took a moment to sit on the front steps and enjoy the view.

Finally, I was able to make it over to Big Ben and Parliament. The Space Needle of London was right where I left it, looking old world and classy as ever! Well that's all for now, I need to find some food. Off to Barcelona tomorrow morning!

I've just recently done a Microsoft TechNet Radio interview on the top 10 features of Windows Mobile for business customers.

Discover why Windows Mobile is the optimal choice for your organization and  IT professionals. Join Windows Mobile expert, Derek Snyder, as he covers the top 10 features of Windows Mobile and System Center Mobile Device Manager for business and how standardizing on Windows Mobile devices can decrease your support time, simplify and centralize management, provide more secure access to corporate data and extend line of business applications to mobile workers.

If you are looking for a quick deep dive on everything that Windows Mobile can do for a BPU (business power user), give it a listen!

As someone who has been assimilated into the Starbucks culture from the outside, I find this video particularly hilarious. This girl also gets credit for convincingly playing 2 different people with nothing changed but a pony tail and clueless grin.

Incidentally, if that vanilla latte were a soy that would be my signature drink.

It's been a bit hectic for me lately. After having spent a week in New York and Los Angeles (involving one too many redeyes), I'm now back on the road- this time in London. After spending about 36 hours back in Seattle and getting approximately 4 total hours of sleep, it was becoming clear that I would likely pass out as soon as head hit pillow at my airplane seat.

On a side note, I really do think British Airways is one of the best ways to fly. The lie flat beds they offer in business class actually make long flights a pleasure instead of an hassle. And the flight attendants, busting out Britishisms left and right, are second to none in their bedside manner. It's enough to make me add the word "Cheers!" to my email signature.

After the 9 hour 20 minute direct flight concluded, I was able to check into the St. Martins Lane hotel in Central London. I had been in this area before, but frankly I don't remember it being so lively. Even on a Sunday evening, the streets were crowded and the cafes were packed.

Saying this hotel is modern would be an understatement. Walking in through a tinted revolving door into beams of florescent colors, you are greeted by strange dance remixes of popular music (Open Your Eyes by The Postal Service was thumping while I entered).

The lift (elevator to all you Yanks out there) is straight out of Star Trek. When you enter, the lights dim and you see flashing lights as the floors pass by. I might as well should have said, "Main bridge", open entering.

The hallways are long and again, from the 24th century. All of the room numbers are subtly written in the carpet. Even within the room, there are several oscillation controls by which you can adjust the color of lighting. A sign reads Light Your Mood.

I'll be in town all week with press and analyst briefings. Everything will be kicking off tomorrow morning so let's hope I get adjusted quickly to Greenwich Mean Time. Cheerio, mates!