Before the Sunbelt conference

I took some pictures yesterday before the conference. After I checked into the room, I decided to go for a walk in Stanley Park. It was so beautiful yesterday, the sun was shining and it was almost 20 degrees. People were all out, elderly, teenagers, adults, couples, family, all enjoying the sun. Some were biking, roller blading and most were walking. The beaches were packed with people getting a sun tan, reading, or doing some work. I walked about 2 hours in Stanley Park, I wanted to walk the entire way, but when I walked along the seawall promenade, there was a sign that said that it was closed beyond a certain point. I still kept walking, enjoying the great scenery, the breeze, and the people all enjoying themselves. I took lots of pictures which you can see. Here are some of the pictures for preview:







I also brought my iPod along with iTalk to do a podcast as I was walking and also taking photos.

At night, there was a hospitality suite, and there was an open bar and they're having that every night of this week. Nice! Here's a picture I took from the open bar:



I've never gone to a conference where they had an open bar for more than 1 night, usually they'll have one on the 1st day or 2nd day of the conference and then there will be a banquet for dinner (usually included in the conference fee). For this conference, the banquet dinner is extra. But this is where you get to talk, eat and socialize with other people related in your research area, and network, so it's important I think to go to these type of events.

Also, I feel that the hotel room is not as good as I thought, especially for $165 a night! I think even Days Inn is better and it's less than $100! I'm glad that I'm sharing a double room with another conference attendee.

sunbelt06