San Diego

San Diego is all that it was touted to be. This is the "tourist" part of this blog, and while NECC happens every year at this time, it was the combination of San Diego and NECC that propelled me into going. So, a little diversion from techno talk and more about Steve's vacation. However on the techno side I am sitting in a hotel room and have wireless Internet access. It was interesting hooking up. The typical "search for available networks" brought me to a home page for the hotel. I had to click an accept button that said I would abide by their terms and conditions, and them I was dropped onto the hotel's home page. An interesting concept for those who contemplate some sort of public Internet access from their schools. If you connect you have to agree to these terms. One more note is that I got word that our districts podcasts are getting mentioned on Podcasts for Teachers (http://www.podcastforteachers.org/feed.xml) in their next episode.

OK, travelogue - Climate is what it reported to be. The proximity to the water keeps it very comfortable. Just a few miles inland where ocean air cannot reach, temps soared yesterday to close to 100. It was hot in the sun here but not unbearable. We are staying downtown across the street from the convention center, and next door to Petco Park (where the Padres play) and the Gaslamp district of clubs and restaurants and shops. From this point there are great links to public transportation (trolleys & buses) walking and jogging paths along the water, and special bike paths.

Convention "officially" starts tomorrow so we are playing. We rented bikes and did a 20 mile ride (we are big into road biking back home) to Cabrillo Point overlooking the bay and surrounding area. Went to the Padres game on Sunday afternoon. Petco Park was the best major league stadium I have been to (well apart from Shea Stadium - but the difference is that all other ballparks are like great cathedrals where you get a feel of what heaven might be like, Shea is heaven). Petco is beautiful in design incorporating flowers and waterscapes and outdoor plazas for eating. It holds 40K but feels very intimate. Its footprint does a good job of fitting into the downtown area. Most impressive is that it is family friendly. Left field is kind of "open". The seating there is low and behind the area is a rise to a grassy knoll where families can spread out blankets and watch the game. The knoll is actually part of the outfield of a wiffle ball stadium where kids can play during the game. Below the actual seating in left, the "wall" is Plexiglas and between the seats and the wall is a sandbox. So now picture this a parent with young ones to bring to the park. You can sit and watch the game and your kids can be several rows below playing w/sand toys. Beyond your kids is the game. When they get bored you can take a walk over to the wiffleball field or head up to the grassy knoll for a nap. There is a broad flat concourse for walking a stroller. Take public transport to the game, have my family be comfortable while I watch - they've got my money!