Life

Back from Viva Tech 2025

6/13/25

Just got back from a day at Viva Tech 2025 for Work.

The event was huge, with 165,000 attendees over four days, making it the biggest conference I’ve ever been to.

AI was obviously the star of the show, popping up everywhere and driving discussions on its ethical implications and practical applications. It was interesting to see how governments (national and regional) and companies are leveraging AI to innovate in their core businesses.

I attended 2 really cool keynotes :

Overall, a great opportunity to see how the industry is evolving. It was a solid experience, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

People are walking through a bustling event hall with colorful, large inflatable structures and various booths.A speaker addresses an audience on a large stage with a high-tech backdrop displaying ‘VIVA TECHNOLOGY’.A panel of five people is engaged in a discussion on stage at a conference with a vibrant red and purple background and two large screens displaying the scene.A bustling convention center features numerous booths, attendees, and colorful displays under a large metal ceiling.A Louis Vuitton trunk showcases a silver Formula 1 trophy inside a glass display case.A large crowd is gathered indoors, watching a presentation on a screen displaying the words ‘Yes Ma’am!’A bustling indoor exhibition venue filled with booths, attendees, and colorful displays.A crowded event features an AWS display with a monitor showing the Formula 1 logo and several attendees gathered around booths and exhibits.A group of people sits and stands around a stage at a visually impaired event, with a speaker addressing the audience.A bustling convention hall features numerous attendees exploring various tech exhibits under vibrant signage.A bustling trade show or exhibition features numerous booths, digital displays, and crowds of people engaging with various exhibitors.

Some recent food highlights…

6/13/25

Recent food highlights from the past few weeks, mostly at home for these ones:

A table is set with a blue and white patterned bowl containing a dish of chicken, cherry tomatoes, and crispy toppings, accompanied by glasses of red wine and sliced bread.A round green table set with two plates of pasta and a salad, surrounded by outdoor seating.A table is set with a meal featuring salmon and egg open-faced bagels, a green salad, various sauces, and drinks.A round table on a balcony holds two plates of grilled chicken salad, a glass pitcher, a tumbler, and cutlery on napkins.Slices of gourmet pizza topped with cheese sit on a decorative blue and white plate with glasses of dark beverages beside them on a teal, perforated table.A person is holding a cup of coffee from ‘The Hood’ and a partially eaten piece of green cake on a street with people walking by.A stack of pancakes topped with blueberry compote and dusted with powdered sugar.Two plates of pasta with sauce are served on a blue table, accompanied by glasses, a carafe of water, orange napkins, and cutlery.A table set with a blue and white plate containing skewered food drizzled with sauce, a pink plate with a sliced flatbread, and a dark glass.A dining table is set with plates of food, glasses of orange juice, a small pitcher, and a person using a phone.A person wearing a cap and sunglasses stands on a balcony next to a table set with plates of food, drinks, and condiments, under a sunny sky.A decorative, patterned ceramic bowl with a lid sits on a wooden table, flanked by two glasses and surrounded by other household items.Two servings of couscous with vegetables are on a wooden table, accompanied by a person's arm, a glass, and napkins.

6/13/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 13: pathway #mbjune

A little pathway in the newest park in our neighborhood…

A pathway curves past a bench and trash can, surrounded by grass and red flowers, with a building in the background.

6/12/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 12: hidden #mbjune

We’ve been improving our balcony by making it more private, using plants, trellises and it’s been great + helping with the upcoming summer heat!

A balcony features potted plants with city rooftops and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

6/11/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 11: brick #mbjune

Little brick lanes in Lille

A narrow, cobblestone street lined with historic brick buildings is illuminated by sunlight, creating distinct shadows.

6/10/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 10: rail #mbjune

Highlighting the Chương Dương Bridge in Hanoi from a trip in 2016!

Two people sit on the railway tracks of an old, rusted bridge while motorcycles pass by and colorful buildings are visible in the background.

6/9/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 9: wood #mbjune

A lush garden landscape with vibrant trees and a small water feature is seen through a canopy of leaves.

6/8/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 8: travel #mbjune

A colorful sign reading "Visit Baltimore" is set in a grassy area with surrounding buildings and trees.

Paris Basketball v JL Bourg:

6/6/25

Game 2 of the Semifinals

(In a best-of-5 series - meaning the first team to 3 wins goes through.)

Another solid win: started with a 7-0 run, then tied and went as far as being 10 points behind in the first half. Very poor refereeing in Q2, seemed that refs were losing the plot.

Back to business in Q3, and we really went ahead in Q4.

Onwards now: one more win to get to the finals!

A basketball game ticket shows a score of 117-103 with details of a match between Paris Basketball and JL Bourg Basket at the Adidas Arena on June 6, 2025.A basketball game is taking place in a large, indoor arena with a lively crowd and players warming up on the court.A professional basketball game is in progress at a crowded indoor arena, with players on the court and spectators watching.A crowded indoor basketball game is underway at the Adidas Arena, with fans watching and a large scoreboard displaying the score.A crowded indoor basketball arena features a game in progress, with a large scoreboard and audience surrounding the court.A large crowd in an indoor arena watches a basketball game with a scoreboard displaying ‘WIN.’

6/6/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 6: contrast #mbjune

Red industrial vs Blue of the night

A modern building with red lighting is adjacent to a tree-lined area against a clear dusk sky.

6/5/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 5: Reflection #mbjune

Double offering today:

Angkor Wat is reflected in a tranquil pond under a vibrant blue sky.The Baltimore waterfront cityscape features modern buildings and a boat with a Maryland state flag in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

6/4/25 →

Paris Basketball v JL Bourg

LNB Betclic Elite - Semi Finals, game 1

Went to this game with my cousin, who now works for PSG. Earlier this year he had invited me to attend a game at the Parc des Princes so it was only natural to get him to join me for a game in my second home, Adidas Arena.

Final Score: 100-89 — game 2 in 2 days

A curved metallic wall leads to an open terrace adorned with string lights and trees, under a cloud-streaked sky.A basketball game is taking place in a large indoor arena with a player attempting a jump shot and spectators watching.A basketball game is taking place in a packed indoor arena with a large scoreboard and video screen overhead.A basketball game is being played in a packed arena with the scoreboard showing a score of 69-68.A crowded indoor basketball arena features an ongoing game, with a digital scoreboard hanging overhead.A crowded basketball arena is filled with spectators watching a game in progress on a well-lit court with digital displays overhead.A basketball game is taking place in a packed indoor arena with an active scoreboard displaying the score and time.

6/4/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 4: Nostalgia #mbjune

A lifetime ago in Seoul, during my year traveling around the world while working remotely as a digital nomad. South Korea was my favorite country to visit that year

A smiling couple wearing sunglasses stands in front of a colorful love lock wall on a sunny day.

5/31/25 →

Game 3 Victory: On to the Semifinals! @ACMomento #ParisBasketball

A man takes a selfie in a basketball arena showing a scoreboard with Paris Basketball leading JDA Dijon Basket 114-88.A group of five people take a selfie inside a sports arena with a basketball court in the background.A basketball game is being played in a crowded indoor arena with a large screen displaying the action.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A crowd watches a basketball game in a large arena, with players and coaches gathered on the court.

5/28/25 →

First game of the playoffs and it started with an exclusive Season-ticket holders event hosted by the club, where we were able to go shoot on the court, visit the entire arena, discover the hospitality section, talk with a few players and the president, and get our Playoffs started! | @acmomento

A person in glasses takes a selfie at a basketball game, with a scoreboard showing a 100-87 score between Paris Basketball and JDA Dijon Basket on May 27, 2025, at Adidas Arena.A person with wet hair is taking a selfie inside a basketball arena with an empty court and seats in the background.A group of people is standing on a basketball court, posed for a photo with an empty stadium in the background.A group of people poses together, some wearing sports apparel and holding a Paris Basketball scarf, indoors.A large building features the bold sign "Adidas Arena" on its reflective exterior, with trees in the foreground.A person holds a Nadir Hifi bobblehead box in a basketball arena where players are practicing on the court.A basketball court with a cart holding basketballs is positioned near the sideline in an empty arena.Two people take a selfie in a crowded arena with a basketball court in the background.A crowded basketball arena is illuminated by audience members holding up their phones as they watch the game.A basketball game is being played in an arena with a large tifo and people watching from the stands.A distant view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is framed by modern high-rise buildings and urban landscape.

5/26/25 →

French food / French lunch in a Bistro is truly undefeated, if I do say so myself…

A meal is served on a red table, featuring a plate of fries, a steak with pepper sauce, and drinks.

5/25/25 →

A great time at the #ParisBeerFestival yesterday! Will definitely plan to be back next year :) 🍻

A raised glass of beer is held up in a lively festival setting with colorful decorations and a crowd in the background.A hand holds a craft beer glass at a lively beer festival with people and colorful stalls in the background.A person holds a glass of beer in front of a Sudden Death brewery stand, featuring a T-shirt with a horror-themed design, at the Paris Beer Festival.A hand holding a glass filled with dark beer marked with "Paris Beer Festival" while people sit in the background.A glass filled with dark beer rests on a table, displaying the text "Beer Festival" on its surface.A hand is holding a glass of beer with "Paris Beer Festival" written on it, surrounded by people and colorful lights in a festive setting.A hand is holding a blue wristband labeled "PARIS BEER FESTIVAL SAMEDI" on a dark surface next to some clothing.A person wearing a Spurs basketball jersey, cap, and dark pants takes a selfie in a full-length mirror.

5/19/25 →

The end to a lovely weekend

A bottle of Uivo Renegado wine is on a table next to two filled wine glasses and some coasters in a cozy room.A red building with a sign announcing a performance by Soccer Mommy and Bored at My Grandma's House at Le Trabendo.A person is walking on a tree-lined path with a stroller under a canopy of lush green trees.A cozy cafe features wooden tables and chairs, wall art, and a few patrons enjoying their time.A musician (Soccer Mommy) is performing on stage with purple lights illuminating the scene in front of an audience.A tray displays a round loaf of brioche, a pistachio or nut-topped cake, and a stack of glazed pastries.A street scene shows a bike rack with parked bicycles and a sign in French advertising café, magazines, and more.A wall-mounted wooden bookshelf displays a variety of magazines and newspapers in a neatly arranged manner.A cozy bookshop entrance with a glass door, leading into a warmly lit interior lined with shelves full of books.Customers are standing at the counter of a cozy cafe with a variety of drinks and pastries on display, surrounded by framed art on the walls.People are sitting at an outdoor café on a sunny street with a classic European-style building in the background.A taqueria with outdoor red tables and chairs is situated on a city street, featuring a menu above the entrance.A picturesque building with a brick facade stands beside a canal, surrounded by a few trees and people walking nearby.People are relaxing by a canal on a sunny day, with buildings and a blue sky in the background.

5/11/25 →

Very happy to be home 🏡 🛬

A New Yorker magazine cover features an abstract design with a silhouette of a person holding a baseball bat against a patterned background.A stylized illustration on a magazine cover features an art deco design with geometric shapes, displaying the title "The New Yorker" and the date May 15, 2023.

5/10/25 →

Planning to use today’s travel day back home to catchup on new music releases and the Baltimore Hardcore/Punk scene I’ve been reading about lately!

A collage of four music album covers featuring "Young & Dumb" by Avril Lavigne and three EPs by Turnstile.A collection of album covers showcasing various styles and themes, including hardcore and artistic designs.A screenshot displays six album covers from artists including Turnstile, André 3000, Sleep Token, Kali Uchis, F1, and The Kooks.A music player interface displays the album "Even In Arcadia" by Sleep Token, with a background of lush, pink foliage.

5/10/25 →

Outside of my Caps/Habs series, it’s been hard not to cheer for Canadian teams in these #NHLPlayoffs (for self-evident reasons):

100% behind the Jets, Oilers, and Maple Leaves in their respective series! Go Canada!

A hockey player in a blue uniform celebrates a goal on the ice rink while a referee is nearby and another player from the opposing team looks on.

5/9/25 →

Food, it’s good!

A person wearing sunglasses is sitting outdoors, drinking from a large container with a straw.A person wearing sunglasses is sitting on a bench while eating a donut topped with pink icing.

5/9/25 →

Half day in Baltimore’s inner harbor and discovering Pratt Street Farmer’s Market for lunch (aka Charm City)

A street scene features a curved road leading to a pedestrian crossing, surrounded by brick buildings and trees under a partly cloudy sky.A waterfront scene features modern buildings, calm water, and the Maryland state flag flying prominently.Skyscrapers and a building with the sign "IT'SUGAR" are set against a blue sky with clouds.A colorful "Visit Baltimore" sign stands in a grassy area surrounded by trees and urban buildings.A waterfront scene features calm water, city buildings in the distance, and a clear sky with scattered clouds.A waterfront scene featuring boats docked near a brick pathway, modern buildings, and a blue sky with scattered clouds.A historic brick building with large smokestacks is reflected in a body of water, set against a partly cloudy blue sky.A street scene features a brick-paved pathway lined with modern buildings and outdoor seating, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.People are gathered around food trucks and a menu board in a brick-paved urban area under a partly cloudy sky.A lively outdoor market features people walking among vendor booths and tents on a sunny day.A traffic utility box covered in graffiti art featuring a detailed portrait is situated on a street corner next to a blue vehicle.Two people walk towards a waterfront with a large sailing ship docked nearby on a sunny day.A museum exhibit features various dinosaur skeletons and fossils displayed in a spacious hall with large windows.A street scene features a row of brick houses with trees and a parked car in the foreground.

5/9/25 →

Day out to Washington DC: always like the architecture and being able to walk all around!

Local DC Bros are the worst, local city folks are the best!

A café counter displays a menu board with various food and drink options, alongside pastries, snacks, and a selection of cookies in the foreground.A train interior features a staircase with a sign reading "NO SITTING or STANDING on STAIRS," leading to seats filled with passengers.The United States Capitol building is seen under a dramatic cloudy sky, surrounded by greenery and pathways.Several people walk towards a large historic building with three American flags and a prominent statue in front, under a partly cloudy sky.A spacious hall features an ornate, domed ceiling with people walking or gathered near a modern, green glass installation on the marble floor.A modern architectural complex features circular-topped buildings with a mix of curved and straight lines, set against a cloudy sky and framed by wide stone steps.A person stands at a crosswalk facing the U.S. Capitol building under a cloudy sky.A historic building with tall columns stands on a sunny street lined with parked cars and other urban structures under a clear blue sky.A street scene features the corner of a building with "Hotel Harrington" signage and a few pedestrians near a crosswalk.A bustling street scene features a colorful Chinatown gate with construction workers, orange cones, and modern buildings in the background.Several flags are displayed on tall poles along a pathway, with a building in the background under a cloudy sky.A stone building facade features a central doorway with the word "COMMISSION" above it, flanked by decorative lamps and steps leading up, with an architectural relief above.A bustling urban street features historic red-brick buildings, a pointed tower, pedestrians, and traffic under a partly cloudy sky.A colorful, urban building with sports-related murals stands on a city street corner under a clear sky.

5/7/25 →

3pm on a strip mall in the American suburbs is a helluva time 😳

5/5/25 →

Wonderful little day out to Annapolis, state capital of #Maryland, today :)

A cozy bar features patrons seated on stools and is adorned with various university flags and sailing decor.A cloudy marina setting features boats docked near a waterfront, with nearby houses and parking visible.A historic brick building with a tall, white-domed steeple is surrounded by greenery and overcast skies.A cobblestone street is lined with colorful buildings, parked cars, and overhead power lines under a cloudy sky.

5/4/25 →

First few days of our holiday with the family in Maryland ☀️ 😊 🍔 🍗 🍺 🇺🇸

A breakfast table displays a plate with scrambled eggs, mini pancakes, and avocado, accompanied by a bottle of hot sauce, with a cozy living room in the background.A quaint storefront features a striped awning, a variety of decorative items, colorful plants, and a sign indicating an order area.A brick walkway leads through a park with a map kiosk, benches, and lush green trees surrounding the area.A mural on a brick wall depicts vintage cars and people in early 20th-century attire next to parked bicycles.A street scene features a row of quaint buildings with shops on a slightly overcast day, while cars are parked and driving down the road.A store display showcases a variety of Baltimore Orioles merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.A vintage red popcorn truck features vibrant Peanuts cartoon characters and celebrates 75 years.A person stands in front of a Barnes & Noble bookstore entrance next to parked cars.A display table features a variety of sports-related books, including titles about managers, baseball, and football.A can of Sapwood Cellars beer is placed next to a glass filled with a light-colored beverage on a marble counter.A person is holding a Tree House Brewing Company glass in front of someone grilling food outdoors.A small dog with a fluffy coat is lying on a wooden deck next to a potted plant, enjoying the sunlight.A hand is holding a Dunkin' milkshake with a pink straw in a cozy living room setting.

Tyler, The Creator @ Accor Arena (Paris, France)

4/28/25

Had a fantastic time seeing Tyler, The Creator last night!

I’ve been a fan for more than a decade now — his past 4-5 albums have been frequently on rotation at home over the years, and I’m fascinated by the creative freedom and artistry he seems to shape for himself.

After a first act dedicated to Chromakopia, he walked over a bridge to reach the small center stage, set like a living room (with a sofa, a desk, a turntable, and a crate of vinyl records.) He browsed through the crate containing his previous albums and other Easter eggs and influences and would then pick his albums and put them onto the turntable to play the hits.

Such a cool yet simple concept hit it was executed beautifully!

A concert ticket for 'Tyler, The Creator' featuring Lil Yachty, scheduled for April 27, 2025, at Accor Arena in Paris.A large indoor concert or event features a stage with visual displays and an audience crowding the area, while a screen shows images above the stage.A large crowd is attending a concert with vibrant lighting, and a performer is on stage.A performer on stage sings into a microphone under dramatic lighting, with a large screen displaying the scene to a crowded audience.A performer stands on stage surrounded by colorful lights and a large crowd.A crowd gathers at night outside the illuminated Accor Arena, after a concert.

4/23/25 →

Coworker took us out to a mom & pop Colombian restaurant close to the office. OMG it was the real deal!

A plate of traditional food featuring eggs, beans, rice, sausage, plantains, avocado, and fried elements is served on a table.

4/22/25 →

Lille, you were magnificent this weekend: your architecture, hospitality, and food culture, we loved it all!

This was our first time, but we will definitely be back!

A bustling square features historic buildings, including one with a prominent clock tower under a clear blue sky.A canal with adjacent trees and a small structure is captured under a partly cloudy sky.A table set with two different meals, each accompanied by fries, and a dining setup including utensils, plates, and a bottle of water.Two plates of burgers with curly fries and a dessert plate with a rolled pastry and sauce garnishes are on a pink table.A group of people are gathered near a row of bicycles in a cobblestone square lined with historic European-style buildings.A group of people walks in front of an ornate, historic building in an urban setting.A hand holds a pint of beer in a bar with pink lighting and "BierBuik" in neon signage in the background.