San Francisco

Arrived in San Francisco today. Travelled with KLM via Amsterdam to San Francisco. Got the standard "terrorist treatment" from the Homeland Security officer as usual. What this means is that I was again dragged into a small room for some detailed questioning like writing down my parents' name, dates of birth and address. Anyway, I have to say that they are a lot friendlier here than in Orlando. Took a cab from the airport to my hotel in downtown (Air Travel Hotel) which cost me USD51.00. It's a lot cheaper than the conference hotels (which were fully booked anyway), but the standard is not bad. There's free WiFi here.

After a short rest, I hopped over by foot to San Francisco Hilton, which is only about 5 minutes from here to register for my ASA Conference. With that out of the way, I walked to the Chinatown for some sightseeing and food. I had some Japanese food tonight. I have to say that it is the best Jaqpanese food that I had ever eaten. I ordered a Caterpillar Roll and also a bowl of Nabe Udon noodles. The restaurant is called Sushi Rock and their motto is " What we can't rock, we roll.." The bill came up to about $22, which is only about £11. What a bargain! While I was eating my dinner, I thought that perhaps, I am living in the wrong country, or at least the wrong city. On the way back, a busker was playing "Yuet Liang Tai Piau Wor De Sin" - The moon represents my heart (in mandarin).

First impression of San Francisco?............I like it! But perhaps because it has such a strong Chinese flavour to the place.

Educating Myself

After months of hard work, I decided to go for holiday again..sorry no, I mean go for a conference. Always a good excuse to get away from work. I will be attending the Spring Meeting of the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists (ACTA) tomorrow in Cambridge. In fact, I am already here. I am staying at The Moller Centre this evening. It is fairly cheap by UK standard. £67 per night B&B. Conference price. Normal price is only £10 extra. Good size and clean room. But, the best thing is that the WiFi is free....wahahaha...! Another advantage is that the meetings are held here and also at Churchill College next door. So, no need to rush.

I like Cambridge. One of my favourite cities in UK. Lots of things going on and it is always a pleasure to walk through university grounds. There is a river running through it and punting is a favourite past time here, especially during the summer. Last year, I took the opportunity of this conference to turn it into a caravan holiday. Took my family here as well. The caravan park is only 3 miles from the city centre and there is a park and ride nearby. There is a good Thai restaurant and also a Tapas resturant in town. Can't remember the names though.

Anyway, the highlight for this year's conference is Davy Cheng from Canada. A very prominent Chinese anaesthetist from Canada. Hahaha....Chinese boleh!! Ok lah, got to go to sleep now. Signing off...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....