TechEd 2006 Day 1 (part 1)

Grabbed a paper and headed over to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Haven’t been to one in years, but it was the closest bagel I could find. Finished the paper and walked back to the hotel to catch the bus (route 4) to the convention center. Didn’t take long to get there, but we’ll see how traffic is tomorrow on a workday.

Registration was quick as there was hardly anyone there that early. I grabbed my 2006 edition of the TechEd bag and found a place to sit down and check it out. First thoughts are mostly positive. The material seems pretty sturdy, and I like the messenger bag style. Now for the negatives. First, no water bottle holder. Second, the clasps for the flap are metal clips. Sturdy, but noisy as you walk with the bag.

I walked around the convention center for a bit. You can walk out over the main floor on enclosed walkways; gives you a nice view of the preparations. All the Microsoft venues look ready, but the vendor area still has a way to go before it’ll be ready.

Stopped by the store and found some clearance items available. Picked up a couple Microsoft long sleeve shirts for $15 each.

I rode back to the hotel and dropped off the bag and grabbed my Boston maps. Spent the next few hours walking around. Visited Boston Common and the Public Garden, all the while enjoying today’s beautiful weather. Walked by the New State House, then headed down Beacon, then Charles, and over to the Esplanade. There was a walk/run going on, so the area by the band shell was packed. Watched the sailboats for a while, then made my way to Copley Place and Trinity Church, and finally back to the hotel to wash up for a lite lunch at M.J. O’Connor’s.

Whew…. It’s only 2:40. Going to need a nap before dinner and the keynote tonight.