Setup
Every year my company has a holiday party somewhere notable. Up until this year, it has traditionally been at Foxwoods in Connecticut. This year, it is going to be held at the Encore in Boston. While it is slightly further away, it’s much more in the thick of things. While not technically in Boston, it’s across the river from it. Being remote, we are allowed to come in a day early so it becomes a full weekend for those of us not from the area.
Plan
The plan for the day is to leave in the morning, stop at my usual ramen place for lunch, then top off the drive. After check-in, we would meet up with some of my coworkers for lunch.
But first, a Zwift ride while watching Tehran.
Drive
No drive from NJ to MA is without traffic. Ever. Today is no exception.
Kaliubon Ramen
This is pretty much now my spot. I usually stop for dinner on Sunday as I drive up for work. Today is a rare opportunity to hit it on the way for lunch. While I think it is as good as always, D likes it but thinks I may have oversold it. I love the broth & meat, though the egg is cold today which is less than awesome. But I still think it’s great.
Boston Encore
The rest of the drive is easier until the last few miles, which is Friday late afternoon traffic in Boston.
We check in, which takes a while but we get there.
The room is nothing short of amazing. Holy shit. The entire room is controlled by an iPad.
Nightshift
We meet up with the crew at a place called Nightshift, which is just a bad in the casino. We all get a drink and talk a bit for a while. Work social events are always weird in a way, because even if you enjoy the people you work with, your shared reality is based on work. Even if you want to talk about other things, your commonality is work.
We do our best.
Red 8
Dinner is a place called Red 8, which is an Asian place. We split up into 2 parties, 4 people and 5 people. Our table just decides to get all the dim sum options, plus 2 roasted pork options. This is the right choice.
Conversation is actually good and has nothing to do with work.
Hanging Out
After dinner we find some open space and hang out, talking, and watching sports on TV. It’s good, a pretty decent time. Nothing of note really to add here. We do tend to drop back into talking about work a bit here.
Summary
Pretty good start to the day. In all, nothing too remarkable either way, other than the hotel room which is outstanding.
Traveling Normandy 