You Will Find Me Here...

I'm no fan of L.A., having lived in San Dimas for a few years while attending Bible college.

But, if I can make down for the BG conference, I will be one happy camper

Chris, you and Jackson should set up a "refugee camp" at the conference.

Chris, you and Jackson should set up a "refugee camp" at the conference.

-michaelmonson

Haha. I would if I could go. That would be pretty funny.

Unfortunately, it's at the wrong end [for me] of California; is Hokai going to still be thereabouts? If so, I totally envy you!

I have tickets and a hotel booked! Barring unforeseen circumstances I will be there. 90% of why I wanted to go is to meet all these people I know or know of from the online world but have never met in person.

They have a whole "unconference" space where subgroups can unofficially meet up, I think. It would be great to meet any of you who are there.

Yes, Hokai will be there. A major reason for me to go, too -- FYI:[url]

-cmarti

I will be there for three major reasons: to see Chris again, to meet Vince Horn so he're more than a voice on the phone or words in an email, and to meet Hokai, whom I've admired for a long time but who has been words on web and email thus far for me.

Unfortunately, it's at the wrong end [for me] of California; is Hokai going to still be thereabouts? If so, I totally envy you!

-kategowen

Please don't tell me you aren't one of those LA/SoCal haters? Is it just too far to travel?

Given that I'm a turrible, provincial 'country mouse' up here north of the Golden Gate, and that I have unimaginably few vacation days in which to go anywhere or do anything, it is-- for me-- 'too far to travel.'

I'm confused by the iterations of negation, as to what reassurance-- or denial-- about my attitude toward LA/SoCal [where I spent the first 17.75 years of my existence] you're seeking.

I even confused myself on that one.

Because of the Aro connection? My finicky schoolmarm English? -- Not that I'm declining the compliment!

And why did I think YOU were a fellow Californian?

Forum geography-- fun AND illuminating!

Kate -- what town are you in? I picture either Napa, Lake, Sonoma or Marin Counties.

I live in Petaluma [Sonoma County]; work in San Anselmo [Marin County]; my teachers range from the wandering 'Limey Lama' to Steven Tainer in Berkeley and Liu Ming in Oakland. I've never been much of a traveller; keeping it local comes naturally! [This condition precedes having to choose between being groped or nuked, to go anywhere.]

That's crazy, Chris. No wonder you are online.

I'm puttering around in Rio again. Mostly it's very hot, the people are very nice, and the food is on the lousy side (for a New Yorker). Everyone is beautiful here, it's true, but not because they are structurally so, but just because they carry themselves so. I've never seen fat or old people on a beach in the US gracefully and proudly strolling along in a tan and a bikini/speedo. Here they do. It makes a person gorgeous when they have that self-carriage, no matter their measurements or wrinkles.

I love the sea. I love being outside all the time. I like being a stranger. I miss good Asian food and short conversations. Everything requires long conversations here. Getting right to the point is the height of rudeness. I love that when people have a coffee here they go somewhere, order a coffee, sit and drink it, and then leave. None of that walking/driving with a starbucks in one hand. On the other hand, everyone always has their cell phone to their ear. A woman at the hair salon had the manicurist holding her phone for her so she could talk while getting her nails done and hair dyed all at the same time. Hilarious.

I have been to one Theravada group and one Tibetan center - both quite nice, but a trek across the city, so won't be regular venues to visit. Might poke around for a Tai Chi group or even Hatha Yoga class nearby, just to find some spiritually-minded people to hang with.

How about Modesto?

Location of the murder of Laci Peterson.

Home town of Sandra Levy.

The place where the notorious "Yosemite murderer" abandoned the wallet of one of his victims.

Home of Ernest and Julio Gallo and their famous winery.

Hometown of both Timothy Olyphant ("Justified" and "Deadwood") as well as Jeremy Renner ("The Town") and James Marsters

Current residence of Carol Channing

Former Congressional District of Gary Condit

Hometown of George Lucas and setting for American Graffitti

Birthplace of Mark Spitz

Birthplace of Drew Monson

Ranked by Mens Health Magazine as the 12th Drunkest City in America

I could go on and on

Exactly

I was there, in Modesto. It was gorgeous. While I was there, on my last day, I sat on a bench outside the Starbucks across the street from my hotel. I wanted to sit there forever, soaking up the sun and being.

-cmarti

Exactly