My official work is over for a while! Yesterday morning, Jeff and I gave our talk to a surprisingly crowded room for it being the first talk of the morning. I was a bit nervous, but I think it went well, and it was well-received, at least. People asked questions that I could field. I was exhausted, though. Abbie and I very nearly overslept our talks. Had Jeff not called our room to check if we were ready to go downstairs, we would have just kept sleeping. Abbie and Kirill’s talks went well too. Overall, the project was well represented, I think.
Leiden itself is so picturesque, with canals and windmills and people on bikes. It’s dang cold, though, coming out of Mali. Abbie and I did some shopping today to stay warm (I’ll just keep telling myself that). This afternoon, we felt a little burned out, so we just walked around town after lunch and stumbled across these beautiful botanical gardens at the university.
People at the conference have been very friendly and supportive. They are nearly all European. Even the other American who was there teaches at the American university in Cairo, so I’m not sure if anyone I’ve met there came over from the US. Being in Leiden and at this conference makes me realize how much I like Europe. It’s just so cultured.
So I’ve been doing my duty and drinking beer and eating cheese and pumping myself full of coffee that isn’t NesCafe. My body will probably go into shock pretty soon, but it is more than worth it. Tomorrow is the last day of the conference, after which Abbie and I will go to Amsterdam for the night. We won’t have much time to see anything, but just eating dinner there and seeing the city a little will be nice. Then Thursday morning, we fly out, through Atlanta of all places (talk about reverse culture shock).
I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
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5 comments:
What do you mean, the Europeans are cultured? I think that Minnesota is the SEAT of high culture to which all other civilizations aspire! It will be good to have you back here. Hurry home!
Laura! You and I will both be in Atlanta for a short period of time! Along with Scotty K of course. Mmm if you have your cell phone you should call me!!!!!!!!!!
I don't understand why you would ever want to drink anything that's not Nescafe. If I could eat Nescafe-crusted Cheerios soaked in Nescafe with a cup of Nescafe on the side every morning, I WOULD.
(I'm so excited to be able to talk on the phone and to see you in California! I hope your trip home goes smoothly and your brother's wedding is fantastic).
-Chev
Congratulations on your talk! I knew you'd be a big hit.
i'm jealous that you'll get to have Patty's! and chev. I wish i could see you while you're in the US. Give me a call though (if i'm not ruined from the hurricane)
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