I go to Rio

Well actually no, that's not true, I don't go to Rio. But I am going to lovely old Montreal and New York (as mentioned every so briefly in passing below). So, just quickly, a bit more on the who when what why how of it all. Conference, followed by holiday. Random mix of acomodation - B&B's, hostels and hotel (specific itinerary produced through a strange algorythm of budget, location and availability). Never been to North America before really except for a brief hourish or so in LA airport as I came through on my way back to Oz from Central America. Hardly seeing the sights, drinking cofee and sitting in airport. So. Very exciting!

Conference is for work, and yes, you'd be forgiven for deducing that things are going rather better back in the office now, after my slow start to the year and, ahem, brief interlude, at the end of last year. The conference looks like it will be really interestnig, great program, interesting topics, interesting side program of mini artsy festivals attached to the main conference. Will tell more details about it when I get back. Oh and I'm presenting. Er. Should be fine, right? Should be a good audience, right? Should be apiece of cake seeing as it's on something I worked on and really enjoyed, right? (Repeat, twice daily, after meals)

So, this week is 'finish the presentation', 'get the outfits ready', 'finalise random bits of trip organising (first night accomodation - note to self, get some)'.

Any general travel tips or suggestions of specific things to see and do in those cities very welcome :)

NB hanging out with BSharp in Noiyoik. [Sorry to tell your holiday news in blogosphere for you miss!]