GSOC Reunion 2014
Its becoming my habit writing after a while from the event :P From now onwards I will try to be on time :D
First Foreign Trip and that to Silicon Valley for attending Google Summer of Code Reunion 2014. First of thanks to my Organization Mifos Initiative for selecting me a delegate for the Reunion.
Google Summer of Code is scheduled from 23-26 October. I landed to San Fransisco on 21st Morning. Me and my friend Ishan which is another delegate student from our organization has already booked an Airbnb Accommodation in Millbrae which is know by name Hacker House.
We started our trip by visiting Facebook Headquarters in Menlo Park, Thanks again to our organization administrator Edward who introduced us to Connie Yang Product Designer at Facebook.
Selfie time: Ishan, Norman, Me and Connie :D
Second Day of my day was busy in visiting Stores and trying different breakfast with so much SODA :P
Also, we visited a Spanish restaurant (Picaro restaurant) and had spanish dinner with Tapas.
Ishan, Me, Rahul and Norman :)
Best part of the trip is yet to start GSOC REUNION :D We check In at San Jose Marriot for the Reunion on 23rd and it was so amazing feeling when I entered my 5 Star Hotel Room :P hehe As this was my first time to any these type of Hotels.
GSOC Reunion started with registration and our welcome Packet (wrist-band, drink tickets, badge, t-shirt, hoodie, pens etc.). Carol Smith delivered the opening keynote. Later in evening we have our Welcome Reception and we meet people from many organizations.
Second Day was planned for a Trip to Great America (Amusement Park), which was all booked for GSOC attendees. We had a great time at the park and was enjoying with the students from many organizations. Although, my fellow friend Ishan did not have good time there :P
Later in the evening I think is the best part of GSOC Reunion. Google had a surprise for us at the Dinner Reception at San Jose Tech Museum. Google invited Linus Torvalds and Peter Norvig for the Reception and we shared some great moments there.
After that we have a after Party at Hotel Grand Ballroom. Many people were involved in their laptops also, but we were enjoying :P
Third Day, we had various sessions from morning till evening. There were some sessions by Googlers also. Best thing we got from these was Google Cardboard that too Free :D We tested Google Cardboard and listened to some of the talks. Later in afternoon we went to visit Golden Gate Bridge all through San Fransisco down town area. That day local team San Fransisco Giants finals going on, streets were filled with Orange colors. We hired Uber and went to the other side of Golden Gate and it was AWESOME :D
Day ended with a Funny Quiz and musical night back at the Hotel. Day Four, last day of GSOC Reunion. We still have something to visit and that ofcource mighty GooglePlex at Mountain View. In morning we visited Google Headquarters and Stephenie Taylor, was with us during the visit to the campus. Unfortunately we unable to get into the offices, but yes the famous Android Sculptures were there and we all clicked so many photos.
After, coming back from GooglePlex we checked out of Hotel and returned back to our accomodation, as I have my flight next day. Its almost 1 week and was so fun loving. Meet new people around and make new friends. Just the thing I missed is good food, as a vegetarian it been a a bit hard time for me :P haha