I love to travel. Here are the descriptions from my most recent trips.
San Diego, California: March 2011
Nothing beats going somewhere warm in the middle of winter. I worked really hard on some papers for the 26th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN) and was so happy to find out they were accepted. It was such an amazing experience to present my work there. The attendees really cared about the topics and gave me such wonderful ideas. It was a place to share and discuss research ideas without worrying about politics. Everyone just wanted to work towards helping others. It definitely motivated me to keep working.
Venice, Italy: August 2010
It had been quite a few years (about 10) since I've been in Venice. This time, the purpose of the trip was for work (i.e. a week of meetings). I was to present my research on creating alternative text for images to an international standards committee/group. It was quite an experience to be surrounded by experts from around the world. I took the chance to explore the city on my own. I got to eat some great food (lots of pasta, pizza, panini, gelato) and the city was relaxing. Too bad it was so hot.
San Francisco: March 2009
Once again, I was invited to go to the CRA-W Grad Cohort for Women Program. This time, it was taking place in San Francisco. Unfortunately, I had a horrible time getting there (spent the night in the Denver airport). Again, I enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing people from last year. After the workshop, I met up with some friends for a day. It was a very short trip but I found many things that I would want to see and visit for next time.
New York City: September 2008
As a result of getting my paper published, I was invited to present it at the HFES conference. Although I had been to NYC numerous times before, I had never really been through Central Park. I got to explore it a little bit more, as well as attend some of the museums around. As always, I had fun hanging out with friends. Amazing food, amazing shows, loads of fun.
China: August 2008
My first time in China, or at least REALLY be in China. As in not just for shopping. The main idea was to go for the Olympics and it was quite the experience. The food didn't agree with me and no one spoke English. But shopping was a blast.
Calgary & Edmonton: May 2008
I finally got to go to Alberta! After years of wanting to go there, I finally went. Still didn't get to go to Banff. That will be for next time. I had a blast walking downtown, getting "lost" downtown, and playing a LOT of Rockband.
Seattle: March 2008
I was invited to go to the CRA-W Grad Cohort for Women Program, which was taking place in Seattle. I had a wonderful time meeting tons of women in technology. I have never seen that many female techy people in one place before. It was amazing. After the workshop, I spent a few days hanging out with friends. Did I mention the amazing dinner I had at Pier 66?
Florida & Bermuda: December 2007
This was the first family trip in a really long time. First, we took a cruise to Bermuda. Cruises are fun. I think I had the best sleep there since it was so dark in the rooms. Snorkeling was really awesome, even though salt water tastes horrible. We then went to Disney (still need more time in Epcot) and Universal. It had been quite a few years since we last went. It was definitely worth it. Can't wait to go back.