A week in Basel (actually a little over)

So, I am here in Basel and spent crazy week trying to learn how to make 2D crystals with protein and look at them with fancy microscopes. I was probably the only non-biologist there and felt dumb plenty of times but overall had a great time with a good group of people and got to learn some interesting things. Additionally, I think I can now work with Dr. E’s group and ask for help when needed. The course was pretty grueling with lectures starting at 9 AM till noon and then lab sessions in the afternoon which went till 6 PM and in one case till 8 PM. After that, we all had dinner together and on a couple of days went out for drinks.

The hotel beds were tiny (see attached) but otherwise well maintained.

In any case, I was pretty stoked all week because I got a bike! Basel is perfect size and topography for having a bike and the rules for sharing the road are quite strict. A friend of a friend gave the bike to me as he bought a new one for his girlfriend. I am attaching pictures. Notice in the background there is a wall with a climbing vine whose leaves look like maple leaves. They have these all over Basel and look great!

One of the instructors from the course is leaving Dr. E’s lab to go to Germany for a postdoc and has offered to give me her Czech bike. I think I am going to get that from her for when Anu gets here. I love old bikes!! Hopefully I can keep riding when I get to Champaign.

Manish’s Bike

Hotel Spalentor, Basel

Judges in wigs

Apparently judges in the UK till yesterday still wore horsehair wigs in court.  I never imagined this would still be happening.  In any case, the administrative court judges (civil) will stop wearing it starting today.  However, the criminal court judges will continue on with the head gear – in case they meet a criminal that they recently sentenced in the street….

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/oct/01/9

The late night talk shows (if they exist) in the UK must be having a field day with this.