Hello there fellow Covers

New job, new career, new challenge. I've been asked to visit our parent companies facility in San Diego in July, and am seeking your advice.

Please can you advise on etiquette, both business and social, in the USA?

I've never been before so it's appearing a bit daunting. I'm there for a week, and don't want to make a fool of myself!

Thanks

Paul

Paul!

Welcome to the USA! Wow, first stop San Diego - all I could manage was Hoboken, New Jersey!

The easiest adaptation for business is dress code. Leave your suit at home! For the daytime, 'business casual' is the norm - shirt, trousers, no tie, and a casual jacket if you need to wear one (not neceesary in California). Dependent on the company culture, Fridays can be 'casual' day when some folks wear jeans, but it's very specific to the company and the management. I'd check first.

After that, the list is endless, so my best advice is 'be yourself'. Don't worry about adapting too much. Just about everyone here love the British and they will know you're visiting. Of course you should take time (if you can to see San Diego sights - the world famous zoo, Sea World, the harbour area etc.

Bring money, because with the exchange rate and the relatively low cost of goods here, a trip to JC Penny or a similar store can see you leaving with armfuls of good, cheap clothes etc.

San Diego?

Just be yourself, it's one of the friendliest, relaxed places in the US. You'll notice an extremely large military presence in some areas of town. San Diego has many US Naval and Marine Corps facilities...You want to see something impressive? Go visit the graduation ceremonies on Friday mornings at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Business etiquette is slighly different than you may be used to. In some places dressing up means to wear socks and slacks. Social etiquette demands that you don't pee on streetlamps.

If possible take in a Padres game (American Baseball). There is a brand new stadium very close to the downtown area and a night or afternoon there can be one of the funnest things you can do for the price.

Go over to Coronado Island and have a meal or two. Definitely visit Seaport Village...kinda touristy but OK.

Stay away from Mexico, Tijuana and other border areas, because they have been having some vicious gun battles between drug gangs lately. It's just a big tourist trap anyway and you definitely don't want to go alone.

San Diego is one of the few places I look forward to visiting every chance I get and I go to a lot of places.

I miss many things about San Diego.

I very much enjoyed the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park on a Sunday. They used to have street musicians and jugglers on the weekends (especially Sunday), and I recall the museums were pretty nice.

I should caution not to spend the evening there, since you're not a local.

Do you like to roller skate? I used to roller skate on the Boardwalk in Mission Beach. I do not know how how much has changed... One used to be able to rent roller skates and skate the mile long sidewalk along the coast line, beginning at Belmont Park, home of the Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1925.

These are the cheaper things to do, more like what the younger locals would do for entertainment. Some has doubtlessly changed since I left in 1995 though.

It is very casual there and, quite a mix of ethnicities. It will be cool this time of year, especially by the coast, so bring a light jacket.

San Diego is a great place to visit. You can see the ships, see the zoo, eat almost any kind of ethnic food. Everything posted above.

Mostly, relax and enjoy. And please, let us know what you think when your trip is done!

Thanks everyone for your feedback.
Tickets arrived today, no stopping now!
Just need confirmation from the hotel, and I'm all set to go.
Need to concentrate on a Quality Manual review before then................
Paul

It's always been my experience that someone at the destination facility will either volunteer or be assigned to be a "minder" for the visitor. I presume the company selected the hotel and did not leave you to your own devices.

One of your considerations should be transport from your hotel to the facility and back (if you rent a car, remember we drive on the same side of the road as mainland Europe, so 90% or more of the cars will have the steering wheel on the left side!)

Depending on your length of stay and whether you will have a lot of "unprogrammed" time away from the company or company functions after work hours, you can depend on the staff, especially a concierge, at the hotel to suggest great sightseeing, great shopping, and great eating places.

Bring credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are the big 3 in the USA) for major purchases and have sufficient cash on hand for spur of the moment stuff for some purchases where credit cards are not feasible.

Be sure to bring digital camera AND your cable to connect to your computer or anyone else's to download pictures - I mislaid mine for two weeks and went crazy trying to get a replacement (I did a workaround and bought a card reader to read the removable memory card until I discovered where I had left the original cable.) Same deal for remembering charger if you use rechargeable batteries! One thing you might consider is some ocean fishing, especially if any work colleagues are into it - fisherfolk are usually eager for company!

If you are a beer drinker, you may find American formulations a little weak and watery - consider asking for bottles of your favorite brand if the occasion arises. The California wines, however, are almost universally great!

As far as "uniform of the day" - don't hesitate to email or phone them and ASK!

Language - if you can understand the newsreaders on BBC, you'll be able to understand the folks in San Diego, but will they understand you? I'm pretty sure everybody in Wales does not speak like SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS!

Be sure to bring digital camera AND your cable to connect to your computer or anyone else's to download pictures - I mislaid mine for two weeks and went crazy trying to get a replacement (I did a workaround and bought a card reader to read the removable memory card until I discovered where I had left the original cable.) Same deal for remembering charger if you use rechargeable batteries!

Chances are the three-pin plugs in UK and US are different as well as the voltage of the electrical supply.

Chances are the three-pin plugs in UK and US are different as well as the voltage of the electrical supply.Long ago, I picked up a kit that had adapters for 99% of all electrical outlets throughout the world - google to find current sellers.

Voltage can be problematic, but my electric razor (Norelco) works on either 110 V or 220 V. Travel size transformers are also available for road warriors who travel to places with different Standard voltage.

Laptops come with transformers to convert AC into DC.

Chances are the three-pin plugs in UK and US are different as well as the voltage of the electrical supply.

The "transformer" that comes with the laptop computer accommodates 220 Volts as well as 110 Volts. You just have to buy a special plug to fit the different prongs. These are readily available in travel stores and even at airports.

Stijloor.

There are a lot of Covers in SoCal so post information in the "Wanna meet" thread. I am sure there will be Covers that would like to meet you and would be able to help you through. :cool:

July weather will be between 65-75 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Up-to-date info on events and things can be found at the Convention and Visitor Bureau official website http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

Note it is .org, not .com (.com is a commercial site)

Be sure to check in with the Cove while you are here to let us know how it is going.

If you have the time, one of the most interesting sites I visited in San Diego is the aircraft carrier Midway. It is a World War II and later veteran. It is now a floating museum. Allow at least two hours for a reasonable view and if you are really into such things you will need closer to four hours.

I'd love to get sent on a business trip to San Diego. :D

Hello there fellow Covers

New job, new career, new challenge. I've been asked to visit our parent companies facility in San Diego in July, and am seeking your advice.

Please can you advise on etiquette, both business and social, in the USA?

I've never been before so it's appearing a bit daunting. I'm there for a week, and don't want to make a fool of myself!

Thanks

Paul

Some depends on where you will be, and where in the U.S. your colleagues are from.....they may be located in SD but come from all over, and each has their own way to relate.....not a bad thing, just take the cues from them.....

In So Cal in general, you will run the full range of possible extremes in food, politics, sports, etc.....try to not get too deep in any, play ignorant, ask questions, let them put out their opinion and just roll with the flow.....

They will ask your opinion, and stand by Queen and country rather than get too deep, especially if quite a bit alcohol has flowed by then.....

Try all the different foods offered so long as you don't have reasons not to (for example, I am not a fish eater), but otherwise try everything.....

If possible, rent a car, drive out on I-8 east then north on CA 79 and CA 76, then down I-15 back to SD.....take your camera, the scenery is beyond description, though you may still see some of the fire raveges from last year.....

Also, get to Temecula if you can, it is So Cal wine country, and there are some great wines there, including an Almond Champayne from one of the wineries.....

Business wise, if you are in control of a meeting, since it is CA after all, try to begin on time and realize that will not occur.....if you have your way, tell the others to turn off cell/blackberry.....pagers are pretty much ancient history here.....

If you are not in control of the meeting, open a bottle of water (a requirement for meetings out here more or less) and participate.....a one-on-one may or may not include food, water, etc.

Don't discuss work at dinner or lunch until your hosts begin.....it is likely they will, but let them start.....

Otherwise, have fun!

Nearly time to leave. :bigwave:

I change from being excited to feeling apprehensive, from worried to being relaxed. :biglaugh:
Fly out am Saturday, all the travel and accommodation is sorted.
:thanx:
A big thanks to AndyN, Paul Simpson and everyone else for your valuable advice. :agree1:

My appointments now mean a very full week, but I will make the time to update the Covers on how it goes, and where I go!

Paul

Nearly time to leave. :bigwave:

I change from being excited to feeling apprehensive, from worried to being relaxed. :biglaugh:
Fly out am Saturday, all the travel and accommodation is sorted.
:thanx:
A big thanks to AndyN, Paul Simpson and everyone else for your valuable advice. :agree1:

My appointments now mean a very full week, but I will make the time to update the Covers on how it goes, and where I go!

Paul

If time permits, try to squeeze in time to meet up with any Covers who are in the area. :agree1:

Yes, please let us know how it goes!

Nearly time to leave. :bigwave:

I change from being excited to feeling apprehensive, from worried to being relaxed. :biglaugh:
Fly out am Saturday, all the travel and accommodation is sorted.
:thanx:
A big thanks to AndyN, Paul Simpson and everyone else for your valuable advice. :agree1:

My appointments now mean a very full week, but I will make the time to update the Covers on how it goes, and where I go!

Paul
Valuable advice ....me? Of course if I had given any advice it would be not to go! Life hasn't been the same over there since they threw a whole lot of tea in the harbour in Boston! :lol:

But seriously .... have a great time and it was good to see you Tuesday / yesterday!

I forgot to say, Paul, you have to have to have an American breakfast one morning: -

Eggs (any style, as we discussed, not just 'fried or boiled'!) some form of meat (bacon - that's 'streaky bacon' to us, or Canadian if you like 'meat' not 'fat', sausages, ham or steak), pancakes (blueberry, whole wheat, plain, or some other variety may be available) and smother the lot in maple syrup........MMMMmmmmm, good! It sounded revolting to me before I got here and tried it!! Oh and toast, white, wheat or rye?

Coffee comes 'regular' or 'decaf' - unless you're in a Starbucks, or similar place (I don't have time to list all the varieties) and is 'with' or 'without' cream.......not 'white'.........:lol:

I forgot to say, Paul, you have to have to have an American breakfast one morning: -

Eggs (any style, as we discussed, not just 'fried or boiled'!) some form of meat (bacon - that's 'streaky bacon' to us, or Canadian if you like 'meat' not 'fat', sausages, ham or steak), pancakes (blueberry, whole wheat, plain, or some other variety may be available) and smother the lot in maple syrup........MMMMmmmmm, good! It sounded revolting to me before I got here and tried it!! Oh and toast, white, wheat or rye?

Coffee comes 'regular' or 'decaf' - unless you're in a Starbucks, or similar place (I don't have time to list all the varieties) and is 'with' or 'without' cream.......not 'white'.........:lol:

Slightly :topic:

And don't forget, Andy, there's a whole other kind of "American breakfast": the Southern Breakfast! :lol:

Grits, eggs, biscuits 'n' gravy (or red-eye gravy).....yum!! :drool:

Thanks, Andy. I had many pleasant trips to the US starting in the early 90s and still remember how long it took just to order the side salads - depending on what you want on it. :lol:

Between you and me, Andy (I know this won't get any further) - I kind of like the place. I even drag my wife over there on holiday occasionally!

Never been to San Diego, mind.

Slightly :topic:

And don't forget, Andy, there's a whole other kind of "American breakfast": the Southern Breakfast! :lol:

Grits, eggs, biscuits 'n' gravy (or red-eye gravy).....yum!! :drool:

:topic:

I remember vividly when I first visited the USA (actually "The South"), I was treated to a real Southern breakfast. After that, I was done for the day....meaning, I did not need any more food for the remainder of the day.

Stijloor.

:topic:Thanks, Andy. I had many pleasant trips to the US starting in the early 90s and still remember how long it took just to order the side salads - depending on what you want on it. :lol:

Between you and me, Andy (I know this won't get any further) - I kind of like the place.

I like it here so much, I might even apply to be a citizen.........and even take one of them purdy 'Merican gurls for a wife.......

Gosh, I'm even getting to think/speak like 'em......

Slightly :topic:

And don't forget, Andy, there's a whole other kind of "American breakfast": the Southern Breakfast! :lol:

Grits, eggs, biscuits 'n' gravy (or red-eye gravy).....yum!! :drool:

Boy do I agree!!!!!!!!

Down side, in CA there ARE no decent places for a Southern breakfast.....and don't get me started on those pathetic things they call biscuits out here.....there used to be a decent place in San Juan Capistrano, but it closed.....

Well, here I am in San Diego being made to feel really welcome. Big thanks to my host company. Breakfast went without a hitch, :yes: but my bags arrived on a different flight. :confused:

Went to the USS Midway yesterday, what a great experience. :agree1:

Loads of meetings planned, getting a lot out of my time here. And, an added bonus, sunshine and warmth, which is a bit different to Wales. :biglaugh:

Cheers

Paul

Back in the UK now.
Thank you for your advice, all of it useful.
I found the host company relaxed, whilst being professional, long hours were worked and I met a lot of great people.
My first experience of America has been positive and I look forward to visiting again.
Kind regards
Paul

Back in the UK now.
Thank you for your advice, all of it useful.
I found the host company relaxed, whilst being professional, long hours were worked and I met a lot of great people.
My first experience of America has been positive and I look forward to visiting again.
Kind regards
Paul

I am glad it was a good experience visiting your Parent Company and the Country (added: and California hospitality).

Back in the UK now.
Thank you for your advice, all of it useful.
I found the host company relaxed, whilst being professional, long hours were worked and I met a lot of great people.
My first experience of America has been positive and I look forward to visiting again.
Kind regards
Paul

Glad you found it a good experience, Paul. Let us know some of the things you were most impressed by.

And, happy to be of service, too. Hopefully our advice wasn't too far off the mark!

Glad you had a good trip, Paul!

Slightly :topic:

If you took any photos on your trip, please consider posting them in an album here. Many of us enjoy browsing through the albums posted by Covers. ;)

We are certainly happy your visit was a positive experience!

We are certainly happy your visit was a positive experience!

I remember mine, for all kinds of reasons - which is (partly) why I came back and stayed!

At the risk of starting something political....we hear so much about how horrible we (US citizens) are, rude, self-centered, uncaring, etc. I know that at least for me, it gives me a big boost to hear others say such positive things. I truly believe that my fellow citizens are a good bunch in the main. Thank you both for sharing your thoughts.

At the risk of starting something political....we hear so much about how horrible we (US citizens) are, rude, self-centered, uncaring, etc. I know that at least for me, it gives me a big boost to hear others say such positive things. I truly believe that my fellow citizens are a good bunch in the main. Thank you both for sharing your thoughts.

Having travelled pretty much the whole of (western) Europe, I can confidently tell you that rudeness and the like is nothing to do with any particular nationality..............I have a few stories I could share about Brits abroad, plus some other nationalities, too!:notme:

Glad you found it a good experience, Paul. Let us know some of the things you were most impressed by.



Most impressed by the politeness of everyone when meeting for the first time, in meetings, at the bar(!), restaurant, in the elevator, in the mall. Always pleasant, interested and genuinely pleased to help. The service in restaurants was outstanding, so they always got a good tip. UTC shopping mall over the road was clean, a vibrant atmosphere, and variety of shops to choose from and cheap.
The weather was great, even if i did get a bit burnt on my first day.
USS Midway was a good visit, especially as I have an interest in military flying. (The Phantom F4 is my all time favourite)

A meal at the micro-brewery was excellent, with the beer being better than some found in the UK. :biglaugh:

As for the highlight of the trip, I was taken for a ride down the Pacific Highway in a flash sports car, roof off, and seeing signs for LA on a five lane freeway was the stuff reserved for films, not a humble QA Associate from the UK!

Oh, I also did a little work while I was there.....:notme:

I'll post the few pictures I took a little later.

Paul

One other part of American life I've just noticed, a total lack of swearing. As I don't swear, didn't think any different of it until a "heated" discussion yesterday!
Paul

One other part of American life I've just noticed, a total lack of swearing. As I don't swear, didn't think any different of it until a "heated" discussion yesterday!
Paul

Because it is part of our normal American English conversations, we just don't let you realize it :lmao: