IROS 2007, San Diego - Downtown

This place is totally crazy for Halloween these days.



However, it is tilted towards religion as well. In fact, my impression is this country is trying hard to fill some void, fill some lack of ideals by putting religion in its place. To have at least something to cling to, since there is nothing else - no common history, no cultural heritage, no social ideal.



Church service and church look different here.



So do cars.



Architecture, especially functional one, is interesting at times. Most times, it is just plain functional, however. This whole country seems to be a collection of cardboard houses and concrete containers, with a few glass towers sprinkled in for good measure.





You couldn't complain about sunset, however.



Since there is no other bond between people here, it seems the armed forces are a unifying force - which means there are many displays of military power around.



Sunrise is not bad either, especially when you're jetlagged enough to actually witness it.





Hotel.



Eh... oom.



One of the most stunning things so far is the ubiquitous, absolutely thick and gorgeous lawn. It's not lawn in the sense of grass, but more in the sense of carpet. Everywhere, even next to major streets. Obviously it really is some kind of carpeting. Look at the incredibly straight border.



San Diego Metropolitan Trolley Service.



Travelling party.