Well, things have been incredibly busy and fun. Internet access is not cheap in the city, and I haven’t found any free spots except at the conference center, and at the conference center I am busy and don’t have time to post, but I think I can give a few highlights.
The city is big, old and beautiful. The architecture and public works projects (bridges, tunnels, trains, etc) have all been extremely interesting to use or look at. The people have all been friendly, and the beer has been expensive. The rain has kept things a little solemn (at least on the first day). In fact, I learned a few important lessons on my first day.
Lesson 1: ATMs in this country suck. Bank of America required an 8 digit pin for my new ATM card, and the machines here all accept pins of 6 digits or less. I couldn’t get money out. I was walking all over the banking district in the docklands trying to find a bank that would take my ATM card. It took a few hours but I finally discovered HSBC would accept my card, so I wouldn’t be starving or lacking for beer.
Lesson 2: After I was walking looking for an ATM I headed toward the Naval Observatory, because the CUtty Sark is there, and so is the Greenwich Meridian. Instead I stumbled upon a bar showing Monday Night Football, several hours after it actually played, so I sat and drank Strong Ale and instructed the local bartenders on the intracies of scoring points in American Football.
…. well, the music is playing, and the next round of talks is starting. I’ve got to go. More later!
