Kathryn wrote:
I'm sure you all have a lot to be thankful for.
For me, it is mainly that I get to go home in 48 hours. I know I shouldn't wish away my trip, but I'm tired and I really miss a bed that restores me. The bed here is just passable (I've had worse but there are better beds too.) The food is also very foreign and I'm looking forward to home.
We didn't get wet last night. It rained in neither direction of the walk.
The meeting last night was with one of the sponsors of the symposium today. They have integrated the technology into their product and wanted to show dh the progress they have made since they last presented to him in December. But it was mainly social. This is a Japanese firm so I often find such evenings difficult but last night was quite easy.
The lead engineer has known dh for years and lives in Palo Alto so his English is very good. The European leader is a Brit so no problem there. Two of the other engineers have good work English but not social English so they sat quietly and the last guy had excellent English but only joined us for the meal.
As the only woman in the room, the room service staff thought I was in charge of the meal which was amusing. And not a one of us spoke a word of Spanish and they had no English so we just kept saying Si to them until they'd leave! Eventually I did end up serving because it just seemed like the right thing to do (I was in conflict, culturally it is my role in Japan and it is also my role in my life but I was a guest so I didn't know if I should still take on that role.) Part of it was that I had watched Paella being served at the restaurant a few days ago so at least knew how to do it.
I've tried so many new foods on this trip that I long for my own kitchen. Actually, I'm craving Stouffers lasagna. Each day I've been having McDonalds McNuggets for 'lunch' (if that is what you call the meal at 3:30) in order to have some protein each day that doesn't make my stomach flip. And eating salad in the apartment at 6ish in order to fill me up before uncertain dinners. I've had jamon for three nights in a row now. Sigh...
Today is the Symposium. We expect 140 attendees to learn about the new technology from a dozen speakers. There will be translation services and booths from sponsors. Since our company is a sponsor, I'm a booth babe today.
So it is insanely early (for Spain) and I need to get out of here in 20 minutes.
I'll check in much, much, later today, if at all. It really depends on how the day goes and what plans are made for me in the evening (currently it is open but that can change.)