No maps for these territories

I always write a lot privately about traveling but never post very much publicly about my trips — usually because I’m too exhausted. This gets complaints. So here are some things before I forget, in reverse order: * I am in a hotel in El Paso, where I-10 comes swooping down from the mountains and [...]

24 hours ago, I was just leaving the airport. 36 hours ago, I was making this this more awesome. 48 hours ago, I was here, drinking Blatz with . 72 hours ago, I was wrapping up discussions with my friends and colleagues here (there were some really great conversations and papers). 96 hours ago, I [...]

Tomorrow I leave for Boston; I am neither packed, nor set with my presentation, nor sure what time I am meeting people there, nor in possession of the phone numbers and addresses I need, enough information, a good plan, Ubuntu on my computer as it should be, or my wits. I suppose I will try [...]

This is the part where I would be writing things in a real journal if I had one still, ongoing. I received a couple long-lost old journals in the mail today, from an ex who kindly mailed them back. It’s a little disconcerting, though, to realize I have been so casual with my thoughts as [...]

My father, who is one of the more talkative people I know when he gets going (quiet mostly, but watch out if he starts telling a story) does not type very well. I showed him how to use gmail over last Christmas and so every once in awhile I will see him online. “Hey dad”, [...]

home safe. All three of us were sick before and during the return journey; having the flu* on a plane is never fun, but it’s worse when you have two friends coughing on you as well. Oh well. Davis seems temperate and peaceful and thankfully non-humid after Taiwan; I am glad to be back, though [...]

* Is where I am right now * Where I’ve been for the past week and a half * Very hot and very humid * Consequently, very air-conditioned inside; one’s glasses fog up when you go from inside to out * the proud host of Wikimania 2007 ** which came off extremely well, thank you [...]