Just got back from 5 days in chilly Minnesota. Why, you ask?
Doing a visiting "scientist" gig where all the students help me with my experiments.
All day work fests from 9-6 (with an hour off for lunch) where I oversee and direct a bunch of students I've never met, simultaneously busting my buns demonstrating and creating cold fusion.
I try to make these things fun by sending ahead a bunch of fiesta supplies for decoration. All the helpers must wear sombrero's and temporary tatoos while assisting me.
Valuable southwest medallions of burros and chili peppers are awarded to those who show extra effort or initiative.
On this visit I also hosted a maracas decorating contest.
My favorite part of doing these things is getting a glimpse of the culture and dialect of the region, (I now know that Minneapolis/St Paul is simply "the cities" , that dead deer on rural Minnesota roads are about 1 to every 20 miles, and that there are still campuses where you can ride your horse to school)
It is also great getting to know my hosts. (always a fellow scientist whom I have usually met at a conference or some such thing)
As always being gone meant that something back in the life in the desert had to fall apart. Nothing too tragic, just some weasel students doing what they shouldn't. I'll pick those pieces up next week... after I sleep.
4 comments:
I so wish I had been there! It looks like you had so much fun. Oh, and I love Minnesota! So jealous.
What a fun idea! You clever beat you! Hopefully all went well with no back or intestinal issues to plague you. Can't wait to chat.
I bet those students had a blast. You always have such clever ideas. I'm sure you will get a reputation in the "cold fusion" field and others will be dying to have to come so they can particpate in your "research".
You are clever. You made it fun. I would have liked to be there.
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