So I’ve had a couple of days in Texas. It’s certainly warmer than California, flatter and bigger. The first thing I noticed was there is real truth to the old saying – everything is bigger in Texas. It is on most accounts. Driving into downtown Dallas everything looks bigger, more spread out and there’s just more space. Also the cars – mostly American and mostly huge. I managed to get an upgrade at the car rental so I’m not in the Chevy anymore, I got a Kia Soul. It has a higher driving position so I don’t feel as meek but when you pull up next to an F250 you’re still gonna feel small.
I stayed last night in downtown Dallas and spent the morning wandering around. I went to the arts district and then down to Dealey Plaza. I didn’t have the morbid curiosity to visit the 6th floor museum, but I figured while I’m here I should at least see the place. When I was driving out of town they had blocked off traffic (the way the GPS was telling me to go) and set up the limousine where the assassination took place. It attracted quite a crowd, and honestly I thought it was a little bit wrong. It seems like they’ve turned a murder site into a tourist attraction, but I guess JFK is a folk hero so it’s has a different meaning attached.
And then I arrived at the Gaylord Texan. Wow, I’ve never spent much time in a resort before so I’m a little naive, but this place is huge! The closest I’ve come before is Vegas and this is close – just without the casino. It’s mocked out in true Texas style with a massive atrium in the centre of the hotel where there’s a mock adobe style mission, oil rig thing and mexican church. Plus 4 restaurants, a range of retail shops, bar and coffee house. It’s one of those places where I have no idea whats actually real and what’s fake and I guess that’s part of it’s charm.
So I’m registered for the conference and really keen to learn. This will be a great launch pad for the work planned over the next year and getting into the mobile web. I am a sponge people, ready to soak up your wisdom. Follow the conference on twitter using the #bdconf tag! More later…
Heart | Soul | Machine 