Day 3 - La Presentación

It's day 3 here in Valencia and the moment has arrived - the poster presentation.  I didn't get much sleep through the night.  My body wasn't tired but next time I'll have to force myself to go to sleep at least by 11:00.  I'm looking forward to this opportunity to present this research.  My poster is ready to go (thanks Kinko's) and I'm hoping that in the five hours of me being available to talk about the research to inquirers that my poster will generate attention.  That makes the difference.

Yesterday, I had a blast touring the city.  I looked for inexpensive ways to explore the city and ended up in the center of the city.  I did a lot shopping!!!!!!   When I arrived it was early afternoon and boy was it busy.  I thought people were coming from a soccer game because it was mad packed.  Kids were playing on the sidewalk, saw a McDonald's and Burger King, people were firing off firecrackers all day long (literally) and I've never seen so many well dressed people in all my life.  Even the homeless people looked fashionable :).  Graffiti or street art is big here in Valencia and street vendors for eating are also big here too.  In Valencia the must have food is paella.  So, I decided that I was going to try it.  I went to this quaint restaurant named La Sardineria.  They love to serve bread (pan) with every meal and tapas (mini meals) are the thing here in Spain.  I ordered seafood paella and when I received my plate, I was greeted by some sea creatures that stayed right on my plate...yuck.  I pushed some of those sea creatures to the side and ate the shrimp and some of the oysters.  Other than that, it was a lovely meal.  I have fallen in love with tiramisu.  I think I've had one each day since I've been here.  Es muy deliciosa!!  After eating...I had the best waiter who told me in his thick Spanish accent that I didn't have to leave a tip.  He said, "In America, you have to leave a tip but in Spain, you do what you want...it's freedom of choice."  Hey, I like the sound of that Mauro.  I have to go and prepare myself for the presentation in a few minutes but when I return, I'll tell you how I ended up in Catholic Mass and how I was fussed at in Spanish by a priest because I was in the wrong room :).  

So here's my checklist before I leave for the convention center: Poster (check)...Macbook (check)...digital camera (check)...euros for the taxi (check check check check).