Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Day 0&1: Pittsburgh
We left Austin on Friday afternoon and arrived in Pittsburgh International Airport at 11pm. Though I had brought with me some thick coats, the 45 degrees and rain really gave us a chilly welcome. From Hertz, I picked up a Toyota Matrix. In the cold dark garage, I didn't notice the damage and scratches on the bumpers, which almost cost me big troubles later. When we got to downtown Marriott, it was already 12:10. But that was just in time to see the final 2 minutes of Spurs' game. Spurs won game 6.
On Saturday, we first took a little tour around downtown Pittsburgh. Of course, the point state park is a must see. Then we had our lunch at Rose Tea. Bang, I saw the car problem at that time and it almost ruined my mood. We then hanged around the strip district, at Lotus, we saw Rong's couple. Also, I got a Steelers' cap. The next stop was Mt. Washington. However, as soon as we got there, we saw some graduates taking photos in cap & gown. I suddenly remembered that I haven't picked up my gown yet, which is necessary for the hooding ceremony that evening. I rushed to CMU, but the distribution had already closed. Fortunately, it would reopen at 6pm. With not enough time to get back to Mt. Washington again, we walked around Hamerschlag Hall. I saw the light of my office on and knocked on the door. An Indian student was there and amazing he is now sitting in my seat. After that, we had dinner with my advisor at Casbah. All restaurants were booked out and the only spot that I could get was 5pm. The dinner was pleasant. Getting back to CMU, I got my gown finally. The hooding ceremory was long. It lasted till 10pm. Though there was reception after the ceremony, it was way too late and crowded. We just took a few more photos and went back to hotel. During the ceremony, I saw Zhong's family and Xun's family.
On Saturday, we first took a little tour around downtown Pittsburgh. Of course, the point state park is a must see. Then we had our lunch at Rose Tea. Bang, I saw the car problem at that time and it almost ruined my mood. We then hanged around the strip district, at Lotus, we saw Rong's couple. Also, I got a Steelers' cap. The next stop was Mt. Washington. However, as soon as we got there, we saw some graduates taking photos in cap & gown. I suddenly remembered that I haven't picked up my gown yet, which is necessary for the hooding ceremony that evening. I rushed to CMU, but the distribution had already closed. Fortunately, it would reopen at 6pm. With not enough time to get back to Mt. Washington again, we walked around Hamerschlag Hall. I saw the light of my office on and knocked on the door. An Indian student was there and amazing he is now sitting in my seat. After that, we had dinner with my advisor at Casbah. All restaurants were booked out and the only spot that I could get was 5pm. The dinner was pleasant. Getting back to CMU, I got my gown finally. The hooding ceremory was long. It lasted till 10pm. Though there was reception after the ceremony, it was way too late and crowded. We just took a few more photos and went back to hotel. During the ceremony, I saw Zhong's family and Xun's family.
# posted by yaping @ 2:36 PM 
