Chicago in a nutshell

This weekend I was in ChiTown to present a poster at the American Physical Society's 58th Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics (or, the "Bitter Old Man Conference," as some have referred to it).

Sunday

After six hours and five dollars in tolls, arrive at the Chicago Hilton (paid for in full courtesy of my lab). Check into room and immediately notice cylindrical pillows of nebulous purpose on the 5,000,000 thread-count sheeted beds.

Ritzy!

At about 5 o'clock, decided to check out Michigan Avenue—Millenium Park in particular. Saw a giant, seamless ellipsoid and and a sweet open-air ampitheatre. Took a lot of useless pictures. Looked over a railing to see an flock of circling skaters. Joined them for an hour and a half. Went off to see a benefit concert put on by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago (can't beat $10 floor tickets). Looked for somewhere to eat. Some places looked good, but were expensive. Settled on your classic "Italian" chicago eatery.

Returned to room 1278 of the Chicago Hilton to sleep on what must have been a cloud.

Monday

Wake up and enjoy the use of my own bathroom. Crane my neck to enjoy the view of Lake Michigan.

(insert 8 hours of scientific osmosis here)

High School girls' dance convention somehow ends up in the same hotel as a scientific convention dominated by akward men. God has sense of humor.

Arrive back Minneapolis at 1:55 A.M.

So there.