Today was just awesome. I had a really great day at work. All of the designers got together and went over a lot of the design issues we have with the LogMeIn website. I realized today what a frustrating situation the designers in the Budapest office are in. Most of their previous design work was compromised by product managers. I'm not saying that is wrong for product managers to have input into the designs of the products they manage, but it explains most of the strange inconsistencies we've encountered. Most of the things we want to do with the site either got approved or got a "if you can get it approved, do it". So, I'm very happy. I think the website will be taking a huge leap in reaching its full potential.

As if that wasn't good enough, after work (and some packing) Derek and I met up with one of our Budapest coworkers, Mike Zwecker. Mike is an honest to god former rock star. I'm not even exaggerating. He was the drummer for one of the biggest bands here in Hungary. He took us to A38 to see a concert. A38 is an old Russian freight ship that was permanently docked and converted into a swanky restaurant on top, and a grungy concert hall on the bottom.

A38 from the street

A38 was originally Artemovszk 38 when it was used by the Russians

Derek and I had to buy tickets to get in, but Mike just walked in like he owned the place. His old band had played here a bunch of times, and he knew everyone. He even got us backstage where we got drinks from the private bar just below the performer's changing rooms. The big band that was playing was Amber Smith, part of what Mike called the "Anglo Rock Scene". The band came down to the bar before they went on stage and we hung out with their drummer for a while. Mike and him are friends so he introduced us to everyone.

The backstage bar, built into the old engine room of the ship

Derek and I both thought they rocked. We liked the song "Welcome to the CIA"...

Alright, it's almost 4am here, I need to go to bed. :0)