Day one in Palo Alto

Last night we got to bed at about one o clock local time. Considering the nine hours time lag compared to Amsterdam, it is friday morning at home. The three of us were very tired, but Mark didn't have that problem.
Friday morning the three of us woke up at about six, and we tried getting in some more sleep, but that wasn't easy. Mark on the other hand slept like a baby. At about nine we were discussing the coming day, renting a car, getting some groceries and visiting Flipboard to see Marks colleagues. We found a car rental company online, and after making reservations we made our way there on foot. It is spring, and with the strong sweet flowery scents, and sun burning on my skin, I had a strong memory of South-Africa going on in my head.

Well we got our black Nissan Altima and made our way to the nearest Safeway to get groceries. After getting home and having a bite to eat Mark was off on his bicycle to do some final jobs at Flipboard. The three of us were staying at Marks place to hang out a while and then go on foot to meet Mark at four o clock at Flipboard. Karin and Jeroen did got some excercise, while I did some catching up with my eyes closed.
It was a fifty minute walk, and when we got to Flipboard there were some people talking outside. As we approached them one of the ladies looked at us and said, OMG, you must be Marks family. Before we knew it we were inside meeting and greeting people. We were directed to Mark, he and his team were 'on the job' so to speak. Mark and some others have elevated screens so they stand upright while working. Two of the programmers on Mark's team pointed out that they only had a frame to hold their monitor and keyboard while Mark had a full desk. Thats were he's at when giving his commands.

Friday afternoon is presentation day. While having a drink some pizza and snacks people show their colleagues what they are working on. Evan, our driver from the night before is now manager and running the show. It is nice to see creativity at work and talk to people spending their days creating things, instead of fixing other peoples inventions. Nothing wrong with that but these seem like they are different worlds. I am a regular Flipboard reader and after the presentations more possibilities opened up to me as a user.
We got to bed early this time. Tomorrow we are going to do some detailed planning for the coming trip.