astradele

On the most recent of my many jaunts to the Bay Area of California, I took the time to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/relgar/sets/72157608229288145/

It was quite nice.  While Chicago’s aquarium has more acreage, and dolphins, the jellyfish exhibit at Monterey was as good as advertised.  The salt water tank and the older (i.e. huge) fish inside were also very impressive; my mouth watered as the bluefin tuna swam by. 

I’m in San Franciso again for the TIBCO User Conference. Last year I was able to get a lot of useful information, “talk shop” enjoyably, and see old friends.

As last year, I’m struck by just how pleasant the climate here is. The comfortable temperature, low humidity, and quality of sunlight all combine to provide an immediate mood lift, particularly neede after ofttimes trying flight experiences.

I’m starting to really look forward to this trip.

I’ll be in Chicago on business March 10th to 12th. Recommendations on places to see, food to eat are welcome.

So far, I’ve got the Shed Aquarium and deep dish pizzas. Surely there’s more to do than that in the Windy City though…

Finally touched down at SFO, after brilliantly forgetting my passport and rebooking to a later flight.

Apparently, one must continue trudging along through the exit, rather than pulling over to the side to make a phone call. Reason? “There’s an exit.” Frightened people I suppose.

• Why are cell phones banned while we line up to talk to a US customs officer? “Safety” I’m told, but what’s the danger, compared to before the lineup?
• Why do we maintain one line that feeds multiple agents? Why not multiple lines, with the next person standing close behind the person being interrogated? With a slow line that’s growing, saving that time where people wake up and shuffle over to the officer is precious!

Not that I need to be in a rush. I got to the gate in time to sit around for an hour and a bit. Thank goodness for the Internet.