JP2012 - ICASSP 2012

The IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing was held at the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC), Japan’s first state sponsored conference venue.

 

 

Completed in 1966, the ICC complex features the Main Building, Annex Hall, Event Hall, and a spacious Japanese garden.

 

 

Definitely good for a relaxing stroll after a long day of seminars.

 

 

With over 2000 delegates from all around the world, ICASSP 2012 is also the place to showcase some Japanese cultures, like the Kagami Biraki.

 

 

While I have thought that it would be something more formal, it is really just a knock on the Sake cask. But that magic knock gave all the delegates a free flow of Sake for one night!!

 

 

Another highlight of ICASSP is the colourful Bento boxes, served daily with green tea.

 

 

Although not very filling, they are definitely a good way for everyone to try some local delicacies.

AU2011 - Louis Vuitton George Street Maison

Louis Vuitton had just opened (3rd Dec) their first Maison in Australia on Sydney’s George Street.

 

 

And it seems that the store’s window display could actually be considered a new tourist attraction for Sydney.

 

 

Featuring Billie Achilleos’s Australian SLG Animals, a set of animal sculptures, made entirely out of Vuitton handbags and accessories, are on display.

 

 

Let’s see if you can figure out what they are?

 

 

P/S: I think all of them are quite obvious except for the crab!!

US2011 - Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Considered one of Philadelphia’s most popular Spring festivals, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival kick-started Summer in Philly!!

 

 

Reported to attract more than 50,000 people from across the region, the Festival of food, music, fashion, arts and entertainment took over the shopping district of Center City by closing off Walnut Street to traffic.

 

 

As food was one of the biggest draws at the festival, some of Philly's best restaurants were there to serve delicious food at affordable prices.

 

 

There were also some familiar names, like Krispy Kreme …

 

 

… and Max Brenner.

 

 

Besides food, among the other highlights of the Festival included live stage entertainments …

 

 

… demonstrations by MasterJayMoves Dance Studio, …

 

 

… and free on-the-spot make up by Sephora.

 

 

And of course, any event in Philadelphia is not complete without the presence of free wine tastings from the PA Wine and Spirits Store.

 

 

In addition to the Chairman’s Selection at the PA Wine and Spirits Store, Spring cocktails made with Ketel One Twisted Ginger, Sparkling Eva by Eva Longoria, Tanqueray London Dry Gin and Tradicional Silver Paloma tequila were also available to be sampled throughout the day.

 

 

But I guess the best part of the Festival was my $4 freshly-cut, freshly-squeezed and freshly-shook lemonade!!

 

 

What a refreshing start for Summer!!