From Car Nausea to the Best Fried Chips: A Memorable Team Celebration by the Beach

Updated date: 11/17/2024

One of the best perks of being a developer is the celebrations! Whether it’s a major release or the kickoff of a new project, there’s always an excuse for the team to celebrate.  

This time, we had our first “official” outing as a team—a dinner at a beachside restaurant in the Hague, about a 20-minute drive from our office.

It was such a vibe! Our team is small, just six of us, which made it feel super cozy and personal. Chatting, laughing, and bonding outside the office was a refreshing change of pace.

However, Getting to the restaurant was an adventure. Since some of us didn’t have proper vehicles, our project manager kindly offered to drive us there. Things got interesting here: I felt car nauseous during the ride. My PM had to pull over so I could step out, squat by the roadside, and breathe in some fresh air. After about five minutes, I felt steady enough to continue, though I realized riding in a car on an empty stomach might not be my best idea.

We parked near the beach and walked across the sand toward the sea, where the restaurant was located. The view was stunning, but I still felt slightly off—my head wasn’t clear yet. Sensing this, my PM kindly asked if I’d like something to eat or drink before everyone else arrived. The waitress mentioned they had snacks, including fried chips and other options. My body practically screamed for the chips, so I went with that.  

And wow—what a choice! These weren’t just good chips; they were the *best* fried chips I’ve ever tasted. It’s way better than anything from McDonald’s or KFC. Every bite seemed to soothe my nausea and bring me back to life. Thank goodness for those amazing fried chips!

Once the team gathered and the evening was in full swing, it was all laughs and good vibes. Of course, I missed out on the *free drinks*—a downside of not being able to drink alcohol—but with enough lemon tea, I was perfectly content. After dinner, my ever-thoughtful PM even gave me a ride to the train station to wrap up the night.  

Despite the hiccup at the start, one of those evenings reminded me how lucky I am to work with such a kind and supportive team. Oh, and I’ll probably never forget those fried chips!