I'm in Las Vegas right now, staying with Mom and Dada and Dee-an and Lola. Nearly a week after the UNESCO forum in Connecticut, I am finally able to take time to write about it and about my experience here in the US so far.

When I came here last year I spent most of my time in meeting rooms, though I did manage to squeeze in a few activities typifying New York tourists--such as walking the length of 5th Avenue, strolling along Central Park and watching a Broadway musical (Phantom of the Opera!). This time my itinerary is so much better plotted: 1 week of work and 2 weeks of pure, unadulterated (for the most part, anyway) vacation!