Day 5 - 294 -- Just Too Much

Getting the day started was a challenge. Early rise, quick breakfast-on-the-go stop and walk into the conference for the 8AM session. The exhibit hall was full for the next time slot -- a few thousand people making the wide aisles difficult to navigate. Added to the increased sound level, sensory overload hit me. I had to leave the floor and just sit -- no chairs anywhere, so it was floor <smile>. I was also very hungry so needed to find lunch by that time. A wander down the street found an interesting restaurant to meet the sustenance needs. That helped the degree of wakefulness for the afternoon sessions -- a couple of excellent speakers with great information to share. After a brief break at the hotel, we walked down the street to find a place for dinner. At a fantastic Mexican restaurant, the choice was amazing mushroom mushroom and veg tacos made with freshly cooked soft corn tortillas. Black beans, Mexican rice and a grated fresco cheese topped off the meal. We both decided it scored a 10 -- right up there with an Italian restaurant at a conference two years ago. The service tonight was great with division of labour meaning at least three people were checking in with us regularly, including the manager. That level of service elevated the superb food to an exceptional experience -- very important in an area where the competition is strong.

Back on the room I repacked everything to be ready for check-out tomorrow. While doing that, I reflected on the day, noting that there was much to add to the stress level and fatigue. Meeting former colleagues during the day was a high point -- from undergraduate years, masters program, and public health days -- so all westerners <smile>. Two of us moved into academia elsewhere and the other two remained in their home provinces working with food commodity groups. It is fun to see each other at conferences -- the time is just too short for a decent catch-up time. So, maybe at the next conference in six months.

In honour of the wonderful dinner tonight, I chose a Latin song. Two lines note the need to live in the moment, listen quietly and move forward -- all things that I required today. I chose the version with the introduction in English. Enjoy!

Viver Mi Vider -- Marc Anthony