Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

As I expected, the company in Helsinki took a pass on me. That's a little disappointing, but the company in Paris just made me a really attractive offer so I don't feel too bad!

A studio in Hamburg Germany desperately wants me to fly out to meet with them, but the opportunities in Berlin and Paris are more interesting at this point. Plus, a company in Seattle made me an offer, as well. (It's nice to have the freedom to choose, but it's going to be a difficult decision.)

At this point we're leaning towards the gig in Paris. We kind of fell in love with the city when we visited a few weeks ago plus I had a really great conversation with the co-founder. And... you know... it's freakin' Paris!

Still wondering if we're ready to sell our house and move to a completely different country. We've never even lived in a city before. (We're die hard suburbanites.)

This is how we roll in the 'burbs

The Job Offers Come Trickling In

I received a very nice offer from the company in Berlin today. It seems like a great place to work with an extremely supportive culture, so I'm excited, but still waiting to hear back from Helsinki and Paris before I make any decisions.

To be honest, I'm still wondering if moving overseas is the right decision for us.

Europe was Wonderful

We are home from Europe and it was hugely exciting and educational. We only had a few days at each stop, but we learned a lot about the people and culture. (Though we know there is still a LOT more to experience.)

Paris

Our first stop was Paris, the City of Love/Light. It was a looooong plane ride so we were both exhausted by the time we got to our hotel in the 9th district, and I hope that helps explain why we both kept giggling as we sat at an outdoor cafe watching the world go by. It was just so surreal! We were in Paris!

Melanie and I would take a few bites of our crepes and then start giggling -- "We're in Paris!"

I think my job interview in Paris went very well. The office is spectacular, with a gym, lots of expensive art, and an immaculately clean break room. Oh, and when the co-founder of the company took me up to the roof I actually gasped out loud, causing him to spin around to make sure I was okay. The view was spectacular! I could see the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Couer, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and more.

Before leaving France Melanie and I took a bus tour and we marveled at the history and beauty of Paris. We both agreed that there is something magical about this place. It even sounds different, possibly due to the close proximity of the Haussmann architected buildings lining many of the streets.

Helsinki

Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki

Our next stop was Helsinki, Finland. I think the interview went pretty well, but I don't think I'm going to get an offer. (I think they are concerned that we won't adapt well to the long dark winters.)

The area around the city is beautiful and very lush. No one told us but the day after my interview was "Helsinki Day". When we stepped out of our hotel to do some exploring we discovered an orchestra in the park, a marching band, characters running around in costumes, and more. The Helsinki Cathedral (pictured above) was stunning and as an added bonus almost everyone spoke English.

Berlin

Melanie got a little freaked out when she learned that our hotel was in the former East Berlin, but I explained that there is no longer an East or West Berlin, it's all just... "Berlin". Still, she found the area a little oppressive.

My interview was a huge success. I pitched the company a new game concept I have been working on and they loved it! Pretty sure I'll get a job offer, but we will have to wait and see.

We got to spend a couple of extra days in Berlin which left a lot of time for sightseeing and... well... beer. Here's a before and after picture of me at a Berlin Biergarten:

Me drinking a little too much German Beer

We had a great week in Europe; sort of sorry to be heading home so soon...