This conference is a good size at around 200 people, not too large, not too small. Even within such a specialized conference, the topics vary widely. I'm learning far more about all sorts of aspects of my research than I ever have before.

After lunch, Yuki and I went out walking and browsing stores. It was good to talk to her again and to hear how she's doing in Turkey.

We made it back to the conference center just in time to hop onto the boat before it left harbor for the conference-sponsored canal tour. It was raining through most of it, so it was hard to see, but it was still a neat tour. After an hour or so, we were dropped off elsewhere in the city. Yuki and I went off walking and shopping. We bough ice cream (which is similar to gelato). We discovered China Town; I found it interesting that Amsterdam had a very noticeable Chinese influence. Finally, we walked back to our respective hotels.

I met up with others at 6:00 to travel to the Cafe American, where the conference banquet was being held. Ralph, Michael, Tom, and I had an excellent discussion about project management, budget planning, political lobbying for funding, and all sorts of science management related topics.

Near the end of the dinner, Chryssa gave the dinner speech. She focused on the fact that there were so many young people present at the meeting, and stated her desire to help younger scientists in any way she can. As her graduate student, I felt so proud and very, very grateful.