Auckland
Gave TK, DB, MK texts during the journey here and grateful that NM rang home while I was semi-unpacking. Then bumped into RY on Grafton Bridge, which was nice and then caught up with IV briefly before saying hi to PD, NL and a few others. I felt a sense of familiarity as I watched the streets between the airport and the flat crawl by and an even more grey and 'status-quo' feeling as we entered the city. I have been here a long time, it seems and there is a noted absence of that 'fresh' feeling I get strolling down Wellington streets.
Uni
It felt so weird to be back at Uni - the energy is so different to that at work. I'd forgotten all the relatively-carefree hustle and bustle of this miniature city, full of people rushing to and fro lecture halls, flinging around books, book bags, clutching coffees, chatting with friends to catch up on 'important happenings' since the last update yesterday. I was a bit taken aback at first, until I realised that this is the way I am, too - over-dramatic, over-driven, over-committed... full of stresses that are only charming when worn by the young and naive. Lab
Then I floated up to the lab and was met by its lovely constituents!! It was so good to see everyone again - I know I say this all the time, but it's the people that make this place worthwhile. I must say the actual premises were smaller than I had remembered, in an exact opposite psychological trick to that I experienced for my flat. Drastic changes that I'd been expecting did not materialise in front of me and I found myself slowing down to the pace of this institution again. I find that a bit ironic considering I slowed down upon entering CE as well. I guess there is always build-up time before plateauing to a good steady pace. I guess. But even just trying to register/enrol and hearing of the various fiascoes running their course, I was reminded of the sludge- and debris-covered road that NZ lies down for its 'intellectuals'. It was not as comforting as I thought it'd be (and actually, more disappointing) to give up the power/responsibility, accessible utility and responsiveness of CE - it was almost whatever it takes to get the job done well. But here? Whatever it takes is a distant concept and people are making do with sticks and stones (to build 21st century knowledge that 22nd centurions can be proud of). Good luck, she puffs sarcastically. But I managed to get all the requirements together and even caught up with a few more buddies strolling around the place - RS, AB, NE, ND, KV... Mind you, I'm still nervous about Monday, since I haven't actually done any real work yet and even hearing 'light chatter' about photons, resolution and binding efficiency has my head spinning. I'm might hazard a guess that this must feel like a version (though inferior) of love. And yes, I am aware this sounds crazy, as I was reminded by my kind friends on Tues night. Wellington So in the few days leading up to my departure, I focussed on wrapping things up at work (although I still have a few things to do) and making some last minute plans with friends I hadn't had a chance to see very much of yet. It's ridiculous, I know - that in 3 months, I have seen some of these people once or twice. In any case, I am very grateful for LR - who is a wonderful, loyal, irreplaceable friend and a genuine trooper. I think my emotional life would be much more stable with her around. In saying that, I have heaps of beautiful friends, who are kind and generous - for that I am eternally grateful. I should mention that on my last day at CE, KG, ML, JL and I went for a nice coffee at Fresco (poor NJ didn't understand!) and then there were drinks after work, which were fab also. Friday night was a bit harrowing tying up loose ends at work, which meant I didn't leave the office until about 10 PM.
Thurs/Fri/Sat in the Big Smoke
Coming back to the title of the entry, Thursday was spent choring, getting the regalia (!!), PGSA event-ing and was supposed to culminate in lab drinks at 5 PM. Needless to say, this didn't happen to my great disappointment, BUT thankfully, LZ, NK and I went out for a long Korean dinner and then a long chat back at NK's. Come Friday morning, I trooped home and chored some more. A few hours spent at KV and NW's, then off to the Comedy Club to see Josie Long, who is quite funny. I'd say 7.5/10 if Russell Peters is 10/10 and say, Mike King is like 0/10 and Raybon Khan 2/10. Just my taste, don't have a beef. Sat was more choring and a run and now I'm still choring although I took some time to write this and I'll also write another post regarding NZ science that some of you might be interested in.
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