I was accepted to CFAR's May workshop, which means I'm flying to California soon. I mentioned that I probably wasn't going to get to see much of the area, and someone asked why I wasn't staying around for a few days afterwards. I said something like, I'd rather visit with friends.

Later I realised that that's not at all the reason. As far as I can tell, the reason is that when I was buying plane tickets, I was having a tired and stressful week, the idea of finding accomodation didn't appeal, and I just didn't want to think about the issue.

I've now payed £120 to change my booking so that I do get a few days before flying back.