You'd think it would be easy to access the internet here in the US, but these are the days of pay-through-the-nose fixed access or free Wifi access, so everything's set up for laptops, hence my quietness on this blog. So, I finished the trek. The Grand Canyon was ... well ... grand. Las Vegas was somewhat boring, mainly because not much was happening there besides gambling on the night we stopped. I missed seeing Tim Robbins in the lobby of our motel there, but apparently our trek leader swooned when she saw him. Yosemite was the best couple of days. I think I'd recommend the Canada Rockies trek over this one, since things are closer together and there's less time sitting and driving. Tonight's my last night in SF. Tomorrow I get a car and begin driving down the coast to LA. I went over and had a look around 'Cal' UC Berkeley today and did Alcatraz. These machines aren't set up for downloading photos, so you'll all have to wait until I get back next week. This is probably my last post before returning to beautiful Melbourne. I've learnt that Americans are generally actually very nice, helpful people, but I'm looking forward to getting home. See you all soon.

Conference over

So the conference is over and I'm writing this from a hostel in Santa Monica, LA. It's actually pretty good here. I just met two girls here who are booked on the same tour as me. Also had the best sleep I've had for about a week. I haven't had a chance to do anythin yet. The original plan was to go to Universal Studios today, but I came down with something and I just don'y have the energy, so I'll realx today in anticipation of the tour which leaves tomorrow morning from the other hotel. Today, I'll finally try to get my watch battery, which stopped on the day I left for the US, replaced too.
Enough for now.

OK. So Shakes, this is what Bill Murray got stuck in a time vortex for (note the vortex theme).


Today is the last day of the conference and I've had enough, but it's been really good. Last night we were treated to an hilarious after dinner presentation by the funniest physicist I've ever heard, by name of Jonathan Dowling - apparently it was his report that convinced the US to fund the quantum computing programme.

Next, on the right, we have what I think Shakes thinks I mean by ground hog, but is in fact what I think are his Looney tunes characters.

So, I've booked my accommodation in LA and a couple of days in SF for when I get there. Tomorrow is a flying day and then I have a possible Universal Studios visit with which to while away a day, but I haven't decided yet.

And finally, for completeness, we have what is apparently known as a 'ground' squirrel, as opposed to another type of undefined squirrel. It should probably be called a trash squirrel though.

I'm being chucked out now, so that's all.

First, apologies for the lack of pictures. I do have some, but my camera cable is back in the dormitory. There are not only lots of squirrels and chipmunks here, but today I saw some ground hogs (yes there are photos), which live under the dorm. I've also been told there are racoons. It was 30 degrees C in the room last night (thanks to Mum for the mini travel-thermometer), and the awful mattresses not only provide no back support, they are also made of plastic, which makes the extreme heat seem worse. Consequently, or perhaps because of jetlag, I was awake at 4am, but having a few physics revelations made it worthwhile not getting a perfect sleep. I've booked into the youth hostel in Santa Monica for the first night in LA, so I won't have to sleep on the streets that night.
That's probably enough for now.

Day 2 3/4

The food here is really good and today and it's probably 27 degrees C. There's a banquet tonight to look forward to. I may have picked up something on the plane, because I've been feeling a bit unwell until today. Also, I've been suffering from waves of jetlag where I'm struggling to stay awake. I avoided taking a Melatonin tablet yesterday because I thought this might be the cause, but I think I've ruled it out, so I'll be taking some again tonight and tomorrow at least.

One of this morning's plenary speakers, James Franson, was unable to talk this morning because he was mugged just outside the campus last night and is in hospital for observation, although they say he's OK now - a reminder that this is America. There are always people around on campus, so it feels safe though.

I should also mention that my poster went down pretty well. I got a few complimentary remarks, although it looks like there's a conceptual error I'll have to follow up on. Reminder to self - follow up on edge dislocations in the 2-pinhole interferometer.

Day 2 1/2

Well, my lost bag finally found its way to me today. What a relief.
The conference has been really great so far. There are tons of squirrels and chipmunks here.
Also, as a side-benefit, there have been many good vortex talks. I've met many people whose papers I've cited, including M V Berry. I had to drop one name, but I'll limit myself to him. I'll mention others when I return.
I'm in a dormitory room in a lovely looking building, but with an awful mattress. In fact, the buildings here are all very cool looking. The weather has been perfect - blue skies and around 25 degrees C. The introductory talk mentioned that at one of these conferences they had 13 inches of rain. It may be a sign that my holiday out west will be stinking hot.
You need a car to get around this city, so I'm basically confined to the campus, but it's very nice and conducive to meeting others.

All for now.

Arrival at conference

So I'm typing this from the Uni of Rochester having arrived safely, but without my luggage including all my clothes, comfortable shoes etc. 24hours later and they still haven't found it, but they're hopeful. I have my carry-on luggage, so I can do stuff, buy stuff and take photos. The flight was sleepless and about 28 hours of exhaustion-inducing sardine-like pleasure. So far, no jetlag. After the awful news, just before flying, that my uncle has been diagnosed with cancer, my brother tells me that at least I should still be able to visit him after I return.

My poster is pinned up and ready for my session tonight and I recognise lots of attendee names. I walked around the city of Rochester earlier and all I'll say is that the original, in Kent, UK, is infinitely nicer. I've been approached by 3 drunks for money. Actually, I found that the eastern side of town looks quite nice. I've sat waiting at bus stations for a total of about 3 1/2 hours already and ended up taking a cab to the campus because the relevant bus seems to live in the universe of Harry Potter.

In summary, plenty of exhaustion and stress to wind down from, but the others here seem in the mood to do just that, so I expect it'll be good.