Table of Contents
Mayank DASL Spring 2025
Author: Mayank Joshi, Email: Mayankjoshi2303005@gmail.com
Date Last Modified: 07/22/2025
Week 5
Photo of the week
New person (outside of DASL) that you met
This week, I met a few friendly locals and tourists while exploring Los Angeles.We shared stories about our experiences in the U.S. and talked about how travel helps broaden your perspective.
What institutional or American/Vegas cultural insight did you learn this week?
While in Los Angeles, I explored iconic places like Disneyland, Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, and Downtown LA. One cultural insight that stood out was how American cities embrace convenience and innovation in everyday life. I saw Lime electric scooters being used all around the city they're dockless, easy to rent, and promote eco-friendly short-distance travel. It was interesting to see how technology is integrated into urban transportation. Additionally, I noticed the contrast between the fast-paced, entertainment-focused culture of Vegas and the more relaxed, diverse atmosphere of LA. The mix of modern infrastructure, tourist attractions, and cultural openness gave me a deeper appreciation for urban life in the U.S.
What did you learn about yourself?
I realized how much I enjoy exploring new cities and understanding their culture and design from architecture to public transport. Being in LA, experiencing both cold winds and bright sun, and navigating areas like Griffith Observatory made me feel curious and observant. I also noticed that I genuinely enjoy meaningful conversations with new people and reflecting on those experiences.
What is the status of your technical projects and what skills did you learn?
This week was more of a break from hands-on technical work since I was traveling, but I still took time to reflect on my recent 3D printing and design experiences. I continued thinking about how to improve my designs and how real-world exploration can inspire new project ideas. Seeing tech applications like Lime scooters gave me new ideas for future projects related to smart mobility and urban tech.