AIA Convention, LA

Part II

I wanted to take seminars covering some of the CEC's (Continuing Education Credits) for 2006, so it was more of a necessity that I attend these. In the back of my mind, I was praying for a dark room, with an illuminated stage, seats available 10 rows back, far enough that the speaker wouldn't hear you snore and yet walk away with credits :).

Turns out first one had a different setting - uniformly illuminated room, the orator could easily see you blink, worse they were discussing stuff with the audience -asking questions, people who know me will vouch that I do not like being asked intelligent questions in front of more than 1 people. With a heart full of dread and a mind full of emptiness, I managed to escape the questions. The strategy employed has served me well in the past, namely - Spaces behind Big Guy make good hiding spots.

All of this exhausted me so much that I hit the snack lounge, which fortunately was right outside. After a hearty sandwich & fries, I pulled myself into another one of these seminars, this time it was a dark room with a brightly illuminated stage with lots (>2) of speakers talking about sustainable architecture. I found many like minded audience sitting far away from the stage. This time - Sleep came like a charm.

Read 2 paragraphs above 3 times in sequence and that should sum up the order of events for next couple of days.

1st most exciting thing - was the walk back through some of the downtown neighborhoods. First day walk back was a bit scary what with all the hooplaa I had heard from some of my software engineer friends living large doing software engineering :), south of LA. I know it is premature to assume, but I'll do it anyway - 3 days of walking back convinced me of the Urban Myths that's been generated by this "prosperous South".

2nd Most exciting thing - Google hosted a party to launch Sketch up and free loaders like us were especially attracted to free booze and Chinese food. Past experience has taught me one important rule while indulging in free booze, NEVER EVER mix drinks and stop talking as soon you start feeling good about yourself and so it was, I had a blast. Drinks were especially intoxicating seeing all those neon lights (did I forget to mention that this was hosted at the Museum of Neon Lights). Got into a meaningless conversation with some dude who had no clue what to make of life and using his architect friend's pass to gulp wine and food. The walk back was truly enjoyable, everything felt perfect, even the smelly, damp hotel room wouldn't dampen my spirits.

The flight back including Airport shuttle trip turned out to be uneventful and probably not even worth discussing here.

In retrospect, I ask myself, would I attend the convention again next year - Check back next year same time.