California

Was in San Diego for an interview. Was there just 2 days. My friend in UCSB always used to tell me that California is a nice beautiful place. The moment my plane landed I thought otherwise. San Diego was built on a desert. Greenery is not one of its plus points. The trees look parched. Seeing all this my motivation towards working in Cali was at an all time low. The interview was just ok. Manu had come from Santa Barbara to meet me. The first time I saw him in Marriott's lobby I was shocked. He had not cut his hair for the past 8 months. I don't know this thing about PhD students. I think they put in a lot of effort to actually look like a PhD student. They grow their hair, dress shabbily and moreover have this confused look on their face as if they just read Einsteins theory of relativity and could not figure some parts of it.

Neway we took a cab to this place called the "Cove". Its a beach. It was a bit chilly(my fav). The setting there was perfect. Tall Palm trees, seals on the beach, the salty sea breeze and a close childhood friend to discuss the fun we had in our engineering days. I have always cherished my conversations with Manu. They are intellectually simulating. We discuss just about anything from philosophy to economics to technology.... I should admit that he has been someone who has always motivated me to succeed.

We then went to this place called Prospect. It was a nice place. It had an unique look (modern and at the same time very pictureque). It had a lot of art galleries with paintings and sculpture being displayed. Posh pubs... I then realised that this would be a great place to live... Manu also told me that the temperature at San Diego never changes . Its always 72 degrees plus or minus 1. The weather actually was perfect. Now I was like .. I really hope I get this job.

I bought a shot glass with San Diego written on it from a nearby shop. I always collect these shot glasses from anyplace I visit. Now I believe I have quite a collection... New York, Miami, Harvard, London, Chicago, Atlanta,South Carolina, Charleston and now San Diego. I forgot to buy a shot glass from Knoxville when I was there :( I am pleased about one thing. I have actually visited both oceans that touch US. Atlantic and Pacific. I lived in Bombay initially so I have been to a Indian Ocean Shore. So 3 Oceans out of 5 is not bad at all. Artic and Antartica(now called Southern Ocean) you guys are next!!!!!!!!