9.29.2005

Vegas Paradise

Greetings from Interbike 2005, Las Vegas, Nevada. 949 exhibitors and roughly 10,000 spectators, all passionate about the cycling, health, and transportation industries.

I'm caught in a freaking nightmare. What I anticipated to be a trip to paradise turned sour on Day two... here I am on Day Four loathing my travelmate and appalled at the industry. Trade shows are nothing but a cluster of jabber-mouthed salesmen: buy this try this eat this see this ride this. My room mate is the most insolent of all, and the dynamic is worsened by our monetary bind to one another.

A month ago he mentioned Interbike, and I responded I would love to go. Hell, I'm nine credits away from my master's degree in mechanical engineering, and an international bike show is like Disneyland for an educated cycling enthusiast. I'd been helping this gent with some software tutorials, amongst other things, and he wanted to express his appreciation by bringing me along. Before I knew it he was claiming me as an employee of his, dragging my name into the muck by butchering my credentials and insulting my character.

I do not know. What I have just written, it does not and can not convey my frustration. This show is an ideal environment for me to scope possible future employers, but I'm being introduced and foreshadowed by an immature car salesman with no tact, business sense, or consideration for others. I have met a few individuals here from which employment may blossom, but overall I am wrapping up this trip negative and tired.

Wah. heck of an update, considering I have not written in so long.