About a week before I went to convention, I got an email telling about the increased security that would be taking place at our hotel. High profile guests would be staying there. We were warned that there could be car inspections and escorts if we needed to walk through particular parts of the hotel. That didn't sound like a celebrity type of guest, but my interest was definitely piqued.
Now I don't want to say that Kristine and I were directionally challenged, but we kept getting lost within our own hotel. It was more a matter of us being so engrossed in our own conversations and then not paying attention to where we should turn and which hallway to take. At one point, we just kept walking and talking (usually laughing, we were so sleep deprived), and suddenly found ourselves somewhat alone at the end of a large hallway. Alone, if you don't count the security personnel rushing towards us, that is.
"You can't come back here," a very official-looking woman said, her arm whipping out and pointing in the direction that we had better start heading.
I'd rate her tone as a 10 on the I-Mean-Business scale.
We got turned around and Kristine said, "I think we just experienced increased security".
And this just made us laugh even harder.
As we checked out of the hotel on Sunday morning, I just had to ask who the big wigs had been. They must have already left because the concierge was willing to dish.
"DARPA. It's a group of scientists."
Holy smokes, I thought he said DHARMA, as in the group of scientists from Lost! I was ready to believe it all in 2 seconds flat.
But no, he corrected me, DARPA. And he didn't know what type of scientists they were.
Of course I looked them up as soon as I got home.
DARPA is Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. They oversee all the new technology that will be used by the military. The group was started in response to the Russians launching Sputnik, and basically, they now make sure that our stuff is better than anyone else's stuff as far as the military is concerned.
We're lucky they let us go with just some firm words.
On a side note, the walking and talking and general not paying attention to where I was going landed me in the dorkiest situation - worse than strolling into the scientist's lair.
I walked INTO A BLIND PERSON! She had her dark glasses and her cane tapping out in front of her, and I was the one who plowed into her. I'm a dork.
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3 comments:
That's too funny about getting lost and the stern lady. When we were in Paris we stopped by the Versace store and while we were there we were kicked out for a high profile client. There was about 10 or more police officers plus security guards. We stood by the store trying to get a glimpse but the police kept eyeing us looking COMPLETELY conspicuous just standing on the sidewalk. We eventually felt the heat too much and moved along. The "high profile" client never came while we were there. I'm still curious.
Paris! Wow - I feel fancy just going to a mall on the east side.
You totally (feeling all 80's today) need to blog about what happened there.
I'll admit to being all celeb- curious. Ever see anyone famous? How lame is it to comment on your own blog?
LOLOLOLOLOL!!! Wendy, that is just the funniest thing EVER!! I will remember that you ran into a blind person when I need a laugh!! You are so funny...wish I was there to have seen it!
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