Waking up in a forest halfway up a mountain, is a fantastic way to start the day. Stepping out into the sunshine with a breeze on your face and no need to rush, gives one time to consider all the beauty around. Driving to the top of the mountains through clouds to heights not often achieved there is a real sense freedom and awe.
Above the clouds 
But today is not about that, today is the day of technology and Silicon Valley provides it in bucket loads.
There was so much to see 20 sections on the history of computers from slide rules and abacus through super computers up to the tiniest little microprocessor’s used in everything today. All this came from “opportunity and preparation”. So given all this opportunity and time to prep why was so much of it mind boggling? And with all this opportunity why will I never be able to create such amazing products? Hopefully it’s because I (we all) have something to offer but maybe not in this field!
As we wandered around the exhibits there were other question: if R&D=£ why am I not rich? And if David is always attracted to space why is he not an astronaut? Somethings aren’t always as you expect!
Another interesting fact is that we Poynter’s have many of the products in the museum, so I am thinking of starting up our own museum. See if you recognise what you may have!
It made me think how lucky we are. One of the exhibits explained that today, even when we turn off our computers, phones, tablets, tv’s, etc we are still totally dependent on technology. My concern is does this mean we are less dependent on each other? Is that good or bad? As I see all the reminders of times spent with those I love, I know I am totally dependent on them.
There were two further exhibits: the first all about software. It demonstrated how technology was used to change facts such as photos being manipulated through software to make a person look better. But it also demonstrated the positive uses in medicine, with an MRI scanner pinpointing issues within the body. Like most things there are two sides good and not so good. Let’s ensure we seek the good in all we do.
Then we went into the last exhibit displaying autonomous vehicles, which may have helped later on the late night drive!
We were in the museum much longer than we expected and could probably spend two more days there!
On leaving we went for a walk round the block and for the next hour we came across
We were on the google campus! Who would know it a whole campus dedicated to the working school of google. 20 years ago you would never have heard of them and here they are the centre of technology, with their own city, their own bikes and so much more!
We eventually found our way out, but time had run away with us. Another place where we could have spent a few days.
It was late as we headed out across the mountains to find the hotel. But back to nature and beauty.
Eventually we found the hotel. How often do you enjoy yourselves so much that you forget to eat all day? We did! You will never guess where we ended up!?.
