Election '08

Its no surprise that at the 5th Avenue polling center voting was strongly in favour of the local candidate.

Boo-fest '08

Fall Colour

Due to Inclement Weather...

The volume of the DuPage river multiplied, expanding to the Riverwalk, Centennial beach and nearby streets. The high tide mark ended up level with the 3 m diving board. For those yet to visit us in Naperville, these are pictures of BRIDGES that we normally walk UNDER without ducking.

Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo's version of Time Square only less rectangular.

Now for the fun part

With conferencing commitments out of the way, we're can now focus on being tourists. Joined by Wendy, fresh off a flight from Australia, we caught the shinkansen to Fukuoka-Hakata to meet up with Xina.

The Japanese art

...of writing on paper promotional t-shirt. My Kanji may be a little rusty, but I believe Jon H's new shirt says "Osaka 2008".

A measure of authenticity

In a country where the authenticity of a restaurant/ hotel room/etc is inversely proportional to it's size, this closet-sized eatery was as genuine as they come.

PayEasy not so easy

Before returning from Japan I need a new US visa which involves an interview at the consulate paid in advanced at an ATM via "Payeasy".

It took >2 hrs for 3 PhDs playing match-the-symbol, with a final key step of inputting a phone number(?!!) only revealed by getting this screenshot translated at the tourist office, before they would take the cash.

Osaka Aquarium

Our pre-conference trip to the aquarium provided greater insights in Japanese life (i.e., crowds) than into marine life. I did manage to get a few unobstructed photos.

Osaka via United

We're off to Osaka for a few weeks for the IUCr meeting, a little touristing and copious amounts of Japanese cuisine.

08-08-08

A prosperous date... for the submission of manuscripts (hopefully).

Self Portrait

What kind of sunglasses is Greg wearing?

Quid pro quo

Biting-sharks-on-sticks are NEVER a good idea for kids confined in the car for a long trip home.

More stars

Noah gets in on the starfish action too.

Poor Mr Greg

Pete lends Greg his nephew to help prepare for his new role as uncle.

Bath

A rare bath time for Now-ie (aka McNally the cat) - Miss Madison's constant companion of many years.

Star Search

At Menemsha, starfish hunting was high on the agenda. Minnows were catch-of-the-day and equally fun to play with as to eat.


I discovered that three year olds are infinitely more manageable if you weigh them down with sand.

Bubble Bubble

89 cents well spent... batteries not required.

Aged 3 years

According to Pete, Marisol "is a doll" - cute as a button and about the right size. She is also three, which means snapshots are equally likely to be met with "can I see? can I see?" as "you can't look at me! you can't talk to me! only Daddy can!" This time I was lucky.