If yesterday was all about the joys of international travel, today was all about recovery. Nine or so blissful hours of sleep helped to get me back on my feet then, after a quick run through the morning’s email, Ellen and I headed off to Toast for brunch. I had a “Godfather” omelette while she had pancakes and fruit, and we got to discuss books, art, awards and the life of those of us involved in the SF field. We then headed back to her place for more chatter and then Battleship. We found and downloaded an iPad app for it, and spent and hour or so idly chatting and blowing up one another’s craft. I then took the chance to take a leisurely twenty minute stroll over to Borderlands go check out the store. It’s a fantastic book store, and I was sorely tempted to strain my baggage limits. I then went to their cafe, which had yet to open the last time I was here, and had my first ever flat white in eighteen years of visiting the US. It wasn’t on the menu, it wasn’t that good, but it was a flat white!!! It’s mid afternoon as I type this, and next up is a trip up to Locus for a BBQ which should be awesome fun.

And it was. We drove over to Oakland and spent Monday evening chatting and enjoying the company of old friends before Gary, Madeleine, Ellen and I headed back to SF, where conversation continued late into the night. Tuesday we were all up and packed early and headed out for breakfast at a small local place. Then we drove to Reno. The weather got perceptibly hotter as we approached Reno, but the conversation was fun and a good road trip was had by all. we got into town at about 6pm, registered, and then found a quietish bar in the enormous venue where we talked late into the night.

I never used to be phased by international air travel, but that age has truly passed. I see myself doing much less of this in the future.

IAs I age I find I take less and less well to this whole travel caper. Sitting at the Perth airport my mine thoughts are on the flight itself – will it take off on time, will I get a good seat, will I be comfortable etc etc. Normal boring stuff. Might be time to break out the Kindle and get lost in a good book.

Well, I’m all packed and leave in about 35 minutes. The family will be here, and I’m going to miss them. Dinner in Sydney tonight with pals, Ellen K tomorrow, and then on to Reno. Should be a great week and a half. I’m going to be interested to see how it is flying Virgin. This is the first time I’ve walked away from Qantas on an international flight, so it’s going to be a real test. We hope to take the whole family to the US in October/November, so this is a trial run.

I expect to be tweeting while traveling, and possbily blogging.  There’s also some chance we’ll podcast, though don’t be surprised if there’s nothing next weekend.  Consider it a possible hiatus.  Anyhow, till the other side, g’bye!