This is the internet giant’s den. Just a few days ago, I had the privilege of checking out their Mountain View headquarter, where they develop and roll out countless projects such as Android OS and Google everything(wave, buzz, maps, and the recent Google+.) Although I’ve only scratch the surface, there were already plenty of things that got me really excited.
My first destination, one of the many buildings of Google, located right next to the recent IPO Linkedin. This is the beauty of silicon valley – you get to check out many familiar icons as you stroll through the streets.
Google’s pretty huge:
They got street named after them – I know many universities and theme parks also got this going on. And the idea is simple, it’s the indication of “you’ve made it.”
While waiting for my friend, I saw people cruising across campus with this flamboyant little thing:
↑Custom Google Bikes! Is it necessary? no. Is it dope? Hell yes. And being one of the wealthiest companies in the world, you can really pay attention to the little details.
My buddy, Lawrence! I’ve been bumping into him every once in awhile through Davis events and work on various projects via UC Davis CSA, but this was actually the first time to sit he-bringing-me-around and catch up.
With less than 2 hours on the clock, the places that we could go were limited. Anyway, here goes:
First stop, the android building.
↑Pardon the glare. You can see the massive Android on the window, though, yea?
Right out front, they’ve got mouth watering goodies:
↑For those of you unfamiliar with Android, all their operating systems are named after desserts. Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb just to name a few. Latest OS that they’re introducing is Ice Cream Sandwich. Oh yes.
In scale.
↑freaking humongous. I was told that some dude had an attempt stealing one of the desserts. I don’t blame him, I’d like one of these for my front yard, too. Sorry, garden gnomes, you got nothing on them sweets.
Next, lunch.
One of the sculptures:
..but it really seem more like “Man with a tube of paint” to me.
Steampunk looking Android.
BAM! The cafeteria.
We reached the place around 12:15PM, the place was filled with hungry Googlers.
Sidenote: Google’s got plenty of recreation spots for their employees. Here’s a sand volley ball court just right next to the quad.
Inside the cafeteria: it’s where Lady Gaga performed last time she visited Google. The place was pretty awesome.
Mixed with their own syrup – no branded beverage in the dinning common.
Wish I didn’t eat for 2 days before coming here. I’m not sure if they’re known for their cuisines here at Google, but they sure have a wide selection. Lawrence and I had Japanese hand rolls (that’s right), there were also dishes from the rest of continents. Darn it, couldn’t believe I forgot to pack some back home.
Walked into a close by building after lunch:
↑A preview of the next project? Google flight?! I wouldn’t be surprised. For Google, sky’s the limit.
Giant Nexus S running Google Map.
↑Why? cuz they can.
There were things that were interesting, but got me really confused. Things like these doors:
↑ They’re not trying to replicate Winchester Mystery House, are they?! Any Googler’s reading this, please explain.
G-Map icons were all over campus. I hope I know what some of the icons stood for:
Yup, the myth’s true. Google do have slides from level to level.
↑I was just told not to take pictures in door. Oops.
Exclusive Google Store – it’s so exclusive, only the employees can purchase the goods.
This is how they smoke their salmon for the July 4th celebration. Nope, I’m not exaggerating.
The whole time I thought they use Toyota Prius for street view..
↑Subaru! That’s pretty awesome.
In action!
Time quickly passed, this is the last photo I got before departed:
↑Fellow tourists.
Google campus was pretty epic. By epic, I mean casual.
Considering we spend about half of our days, if not more, at work, it’s crucial for the company to create a soothing environment to optimize productivity. To me, the Google campus resembles a lot like college campuses – with friends (colleague) in close proximity, spots to hang out (discuss ideas), places to relax, and leaving out as many grey scale generic corporate elements out as they could. Many, including me, perceive 9-5 jobs as tedious work in a cubicle one can only endure by the motivation of needing to pay rent, but Google seem to change that perception into something much more positive – They make your work place your second home.
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If you think your workplace is pretty awesome, please invite me to check the place out!
’til next time,
-Benson|| Twitter || the movement|| The Imaginary Zebra website || Shop of Imagination ||
