I Need Coffee - Episode 169 - BC Weekly Update!

I Need Coffee - Episode 169 - BC Weekly Update!

Show Notes: Episode 169 – Live from Berlin, El Salvador

Overview: This episode is a live stream attempt from a makeshift setup in Berlin, El Salvador, covering local experiences, professional activities, and community initiatives. Steve discusses their visit, their daughter’s cybersecurity internship, and local cultural and organizational events.

1. Ad Hoc Live Streaming Experiment:
   - The episode is an experimental live stream using a laptop, microphone, and a new version of Reream Studio, set up in a bedroom at the office in Berlin, El Salvador.
   - Challenges include difficulty checking audio and accessing public chat, leading to a switch to a cell phone for Plan B.

2. Cultural Observations in Berlin, El Salvador:
   - Description of local life, including a woman carrying a large bag of produce, highlighting the resilience of locals.
   - Mention of an Earth Day parade with loud music, costumes, and community participation, emphasizing the vibrant, festive atmosphere of Berlin.
   - Daily life challenges, such as water shortages, with a backup tank issue resolved late at night by a local contact, Joselyn.

3. Cybersecurity Internship for Daughter:
   - Steve brought their daughter to El Salvador for a cybersecurity internship with the ERP Center of Excellence Blue Dragonfly Test Team.
   - Tasks include researching Entra P1, conditional access, and Microsoft Defender to secure a distributed team’s laptops without a central office.
   - Testing Sonic Wall Cloud Secure Edge, connecting to a firewall in California, with generally positive results despite minor issues with multiple Microsoft logins.

4. Berlin English Academy Launch:
   - Official launch of the Berlin English Academy, providing advanced English training for graduates of a 10-month English for Callers program.
   - Steve and daughter taught the first American English accent training class, using a Udemy course by Gabriel, focusing on vowel sounds challenging for Spanish speakers.
   - The program is held in a dedicated classroom at the office, with plans for a 10-class series.

5. Travel and Logistics:
   - The Steve and daughter traveled with 160 pounds of luggage, benefiting from Star Alliance Gold Elite status for quick check-in and lounge access.
   - Unexpected business class upgrade on Avianca, despite prior issues with upgrade credits.
   - Discussion of setting up a bedroom in the office to save on accommodation costs, estimated at $1,200 for 16 days.

6. Local Food and Community Activities:
   - Description of Salvadoran cuisine, including soapa dez (beef soup with vegetables) and aso tico breakfast (frijoles, queso, salsa de tomate, and pan).
   - Coffee culture highlighted with the host’s first pour-over coffee in El Salvador using a Hario V60 and Toro’s coffee beans, improvised with a hand grinder and dripper.
   - Visit to El Portal cafe for a sweet lemon tea (T de Lemon).

7. Professional Engagements and Upcoming Events:
   - Participation in a Dynamics Con post-conference review for the Business Central track.

8. Office Setup and Cost-Saving Measures:
   - The office serves multiple purposes: a main workspace, a bedroom to reduce accommodation costs, and the Berlin English Academy classroom.


9. Technical Challenges and Local Infrastructure:
   - Discussion of local infrastructure issues, including water supply problems and the need to purchase a tank and pump.
   - Mention of a luxury garbage can and the noisy garbage truck, reflecting unique aspects of local services.