2007/06/26

First day at KAIST (6-19)

We visited Hyundai Heavy Industries today, where they presented yet another video (a better one, though). Their shipbuilding operations are world class, and we could see many tankers and cargo ships being assembled from our bus tour. They had a cute little gimmick where they made an industrial robot "dance" to a midi version of Livin' la Vida Loca. Random, yes, but they're Hyundai.

We finally managed to finish The King and The Clown on the bus ride. Without spoiling too much of the plot, it's a story of two minstrels who play for a Joseon king. Due to their "treasonous" material, they are forced by a court to either make the king laugh, or die. Laugh he does, and the king takes them on as part of the court. A lot of executions ensue; it's worth seeing if you can find it.

At the Taejon toll gate, I met with 2 students from the HUBO lab. Since my dorm wouldn't be ready until Friday night, I would use the sleeping area in the lab. This rooms was outfitted with a double shower, AC, an LCD TV, and personal lockers. The complete lack of windows and other light-leaking cracks means that it can be made very dark and quiet at night. As such, it's ideal for sleeping as much as one's body needs. It would be my home for the next 5 days.

A bit of structural change to come: my updates from now on will be mostly particular topics, not necessarily in strict chronological order.

No comments: