My Travels

Ok, today is my last day in DC for this conference. I've decided that it wasn't worth getting up at 8 am on a Saturday to make a showing for a brunch. Sean and I decide to meet up and walk around the Mall area. As I watch the tourists whiz by, does anyone not walk anymore? Luckily, the weather today was in the low 70s and breezy. An ideal day to walk around. So, I saw the typical stuff. Capitol Hill, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial (from across the lake), WWII Memorial. But I did catch an interesting statue.... I have no idea what it is suppose to symbolize but I found this ginormous rose in the Federal Triangle area. I have to say, DC keeps alot of artists employed. The only annoying thing about DC was that alot of construction was going on and sidewalk closures were everywhere.

It is a beautiful day in DC. Weather is good about 80 degrees. No real humidity, a real pleasant day to walk around. Although you still sweat if you're in work clothes.... From my understanding, Chinatown DC is pretty scuzzy...until the "gentrification." This is the most westernized Chinatown I've ever seen. Chains like Hooters, CVS, and Benneton sit in the heart of "Chinatown." I guess the Chinese translations on the sign and pagoda architecture makes it ethnic. Don't get me wrong, there is still some great little hole in the wall restaurants but it is overwhelmed by the bigger players in the area. Had lunch at Butterfield 9, corner of 14th and F. I liked the baked alaska - sponge cake and pistachio ice cream. So far Sean has approved of all the eateries we've been...gonna try my luck with the Peacock Cafe in Georgetown. We'll see how I fare.....

I'm in DC today. Flew into Reagan. Haven't done this in a long time. The airport reminds me of a nicer version of LaGuardia Airport. Had to fly through Denver and experienced a slight delay on the tarmac. I'm staying near the convention center which is also near Chinatown. I found this really good Thai place - Kanlaya Thai Cuisine, 740 6th Street. The absolute best best sticky rice and mango dessert ever!!! http://www.kanlayathaicuisine.com/

The Annual Meeting. This time in Toronto! Many members are disappointed with the location, although I think it is fun. I know, I know, no beach or pool for the East Coasters. Water and sun is overrated anways. Although the conference hotel is in the Fairmont, I have decided to stay at the Hilton. Hee. I do know there is a group of hardcore Marriott whores staying at the Renaissance nearby. The only cool thing about the Renaissance is that it overlooks the baseball stadium. I think the Red Sox played this week. I didn't get in touch with my half-brother, Jimmy, in Montreal. So we're gonna see if we can see each other in Toronto. He lives in Ottawa but his fiancee, Elise, lives in Toronto. Kill two birds with one stone. Elise is very nice and sweet. I'm glad my brother found someone. Toronto reminds me of Chicago. Very big, very clean, and lots of people. I've been told it is the "civilized" New York City. Had great food at an Indian restaurant called Trimurtu

So I went for a week in May to Montreal. It was for an International Educators conference. I had two purposes. One - professional networking and possibly move into another part of higher education. (For those who know me, I'm always looking :p ) Two - my half sister lives in Montreal. Now, this is going to be confusing but she is also Betty and I will refer to her as SM from here on out. SM stands for Suong Mai - her vietnamese name. The only other common trait we share besides our name is the fact that she doesn't like to have her picture taken. There were many attempts to get this shot....here is an example of a failed one.... Anyways, I was at the Hilton. Suprise, suprise. Nice hotel in Old Montreal area. I liked the TV. I'm impressed that they've upgraded the TVs to flat panel. I had a passing thought about stealing it but I didn't think I'd make it past customs. :) I found the oddest thing in the hotel lounge area. Whipped honey. I always thought honey was

I stayed at the Aladdin on the strip. I like the convenient location and it is part of Starwood! My alternative was the conference hotel which was the Flamingo. Nothing wrong with old Vegas but the Aladdin is a far better hotel and less cheesy. Unfortunately, Aladdin is converting to the "Planet Hollywood" hotel. Gag, gag, gag. Sigh, another hollywood venture. Anyways, the best part of the room is the view and the bathtub!