Firstly, apologies for the gap between this and the previous blog. It’s been a little on the hectic side in the run up to my departure from the UK to travel West to the United States (cue lots of the usual quips about being allowed in, etc.). There are actually three of the FWL team travelling to the US this year for the largest international genealogical conference in the world, RootsTech. Two of us departed on Friday, visiting San Francisco en route, and one will depart on Monday direct(ish) to Salt Lake City.
Last year, @HistoryLady2013 and I attended the conference for the first time. Mind blowing!!! I, personally, had little knowledge of RootsTech’s past so did not know what to expect at all, nor what was expected of me as an ambassador. So, I simply went headlong into what I thought might be a good approach to the role. I was the only UK ambassador last year and, I believe, the only one again this year…. although there are many others attending. This year, I have the added excitement of being a speaker too! Two (possibly three, watch this space) slots, back-to-back on Thursday afternoon and, I hope, not too far apart in terms of distance between the conference rooms. Otherwise, I may be purchasing roller blades or a skateboard!
Before the conference itself, @HistoryLady2013 and I are in San Francisco. A few days of non-stop walking and sightseeing with a few pauses to find cafes and restaurants with Wifi to keep ourselves connected. Yesterday (Saturday), we walked for miles and miles to make it to Fisherman’s Wharf before the rain fell in torrents and we headed for shelter. Thankfully at a good time for lunch! Whilst drying out, we planned the rest of our day to take the historical bus tour of the city, with guided (live) commentary. There are some fairly interesting parts of San Francisco and the level of homelessness is really quite shocking. Perhaps Mr Trump would like to focus on social security rather than spending money on a pointless wall?
During the tour, we did see the #NoBanNoWall protests outside the Civic Center along with the painted ladies (see above), famous homes featured in films (Mrs Doubtfire house, though only from a distance) and many national landmarks including the cable cars which are apparently the only moving national landmark!
We have two more days in San Francisco to take in the local history before heading to Salt Lake City and meeting up with friends for the conference.
