Came down by train yesterday. The ride was long but seemed short, probably because I was able to spend the time getting to know two people I had just met. We got to Portland and I was not even sure if we were in the city. I don’t remember seeing any city around me. It was forest and river and industry and then I went to the washroom and then train station. From the train station you cannot see the city. It was only when we took a bus just a short ways that it suddenly jumped up at us.
I like it here. Things are old, elegant, charming. On the way to the hotel we see many places to shop. I really wish that I had a large shopping fund but no. Though I think that I’ll be able to justify buying a new pair of jeans.
We registered for CHI and I met more people, some from the University of Calgary and most from Dalhousie. We all went for supper at a Greek restaurant (mmm… the baked brie was to die for) and I had a really good time. Everyone is really friendly and I think this week will be quite enjoyable. Two things refreshed me immensely:
1) meeting and talking to women in my field or just other women in general. In Vancouver I spend most of my time around men, I enjoy that, but I like a balance.
2) feeling the energy that is growing inside everybody. Excitement for the week and events to come. Hearing stories about conferences past and feeling confident that things will be fun this time too.
Today is my “day off”. Well, I should read up on my workshop tomorrow, but I am going to head over to a yoga studio for a class right away. I will do some window shopping later and hopefully I will take some pictures. In between that I will read :)