Everyone lies, including soup. First she claims to make you feel all better, then she waltzes in and burns your tongue.
It’s gotten a lot colder (and wetter) in the week I was away, and it’s made me really sick. Ugh.
I arrived home safe and sound to be greeted by my first ever salary statement. (Which would be exciting if I knew how to read it!)
bahn dot de
I spent all of last week in Germany—my maiden trip out exploring Europe since I first moved here. I am pleased to report that my EU visa works, and I was freely able to country hop. About three-quarters of my time was spent in a teeny-tiny town called Oberwolfach (at the MFO, a fairly renowned mathematics institute) and the last two nights were with a good friend of mine from grad school.
All in all, I had a wonderful time.
After flying into Germany, I got to experience first-hand their ultra-efficient train system, which allowed me to systematically (and quickly, like 250+ km/h quickly!) get from Frankfurt to the teeny town without needing any hand-holding. I got to try out some of my broken German from language courses so long a go. I was also lucky to see their countryside and experience small town charm at its finest.
The institute was a remarkably serene place; purposefully built in the middle of nowhere to avoid being bombed during the Second World War. I got to meet a lot of interesting people in my field as well as my former boss. The food was authentic, rich and varied. The discussion just varied. Having no TVs or Internet access (or even locks!), the spartan (but fully functional) rooms at the institute encouraged people to be out interacting. The meeting itself was informal and free form—exemplified by one session running late into the night causing a ruckus from the sleepy crowd.
While my work obligations were to keep me at the MFO until yesterday, I skipped out a little earlier to head out to Stuttgart to be with a friend—who too had decided on a post-doc in Europe after finishing her stint at the uni. It was a blast being with her again, and we were able to explore the town, sampling some of the finer things it had to offer—courtesy of a (very elaborate and crowded) wine festival!
Now, after a surprisingly exhausting week of arguing with older Italian gentlemen about select terms in obscure equations, figuring out the German transport system, extremely fun and eventful evenings running late into their subsequent morns, I am finally flying back home. Relaxed and rejuvenated, with a definite plan forward and some neat research ideas to pursue.
Just woke up after a delightful evening out. Need to pack and such and hop on a bus to a train to a plane… back home.
After probably one bus ride, two train rides, one plane ride, three more train rides, and one taxi ride, I finally made it to the institute!
I spent most of my evening looking for a bag to use on my upcoming Germany trip. All I have to show for it is a new umbrella.
Got drenched on my way home. Can’t believe I forgot my umbrella in Ann Arbor.
I woke up snickering to my own comedy routine in a dream. Now that was bizarre.
Broke my first glass at work. It’s a good thing only everybody was there to see.
Of course, that emotion was sparked by an enchanting-little woman, but what isn’t really?
For a moment last evening, I actually regretted leaving Ann Arbor. Actually, it’s strange that this hasn’t happened before now.
Screams in the night
I was rudely awakened from a horrific nightmare a few minutes ago to the even more horrible sound of a terrified woman wailing. This was accompanied by the banging of doors, heavy stomping and other unabashed signs of an argument. This, however, isn’t a particularly new experience for me as my luck with neighbours follows a distinct pattern. But what was grating though was the woman’s annoying voice.
Even though her distress was obvious, I couldn’t once get myself to feel sorry for her or even have my usual (tainted) good Samaritan aspiration—where I contemplate knocking on their door to find out if all is well, despite the distinct possibility of getting beaten up (or worse), under the grand illusions of the payoffs accompanying rescuing a damsel in distress.
But her frickin’ whiny voice. Arggh! She’s causing my ears to bleed.
Oh, it’s suddenly gotten all quiet now.
And it’s been that way for a few minutes. Oh good, she must have run away or he must’ve killed her. Thank goodness. Now I can peacefully return to battling my own inner demons.
A programming note: Since the introduction of µ, a micro-journal featuring extremely small entries, my writing skills have gone further south.
Stripping for cute nurses is always fun!
Yesterday, I left a bunch of useful books at home. Today, I forgot my computer’s power adaptor. I really need a better mnemonic system.