Melbourne observations

The city:
Despite the grid-like layout I seem to be perpetually lost. I think I forgot to pack my sense of direction. Also seem to have misplaced my ability to read maps, which does not help.

It’s very noisy. I think it’s the trams. That said, I really like the trams.

The cafes are great. Have really enjoyed places in Little Collins St and Degraves St. Nice breakfast = nice start to the day.

It feels completely different to Sydney, and of course it’s very different to Perth. I like how Melbourne feels, though. Not as frantic as Sydney, and way more interesting than Perth. (Sorry, hometown!)

The conference
Now that we’ve delivered our paper, I feel a lot more relaxed. It went well, I think. Pity I feel all conferenced out today.

The wireless situation is no longer bothering me, but only because I have stopped caring about my lack of connectivity. Decided it was too much of a waste of energy to get annoyed or try and fix the situation. There’s not a lot you can do when there is just no way to connect in some rooms in this venue.

Not to whinge, but I haven’t enjoyed the food at this conference at all. Maybe because I am not eating meat; meat-eaters may disagree.

The keynote speakers have been GREAT, very inspiring! I love it when someone expresses succinctly something your befuddled mind can only occasionally bump up against,  and help confirm and build on ideas, thoughts, and observations.

I’ve also enjoyed meeting up with the LINT folks as well as with other colleagues. Attended a couple of events where I got to meet interesting people. It’s always nice to finally put faces to names…

Other:
Gong xi fa cai! Today is the first day of the Year of the Rat. It’s been the first new year in a long time where I haven’t spent it with all my family. This has been a tad weird. However I did have a lovely new year’s eve with the closest member of my family, M. We wandered around the night markets at the Queen Victoria Markets, and explored Brunswick last night, culminating with a tasty dinner at the Vegie Bar in Fitzroy. Am wearing red to mark the day.

Addendum: Am missing Paco terribly. Poor little mite was completely bewildered when we dropped him off at the kennel on the weekend. I don’t know if I can subject him, or myself, to such an experience again! I hope he’s been okay…