Both feet on the ground

Landed. Safely in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, 4 May, after a grueling close-to-15-hour travelling time, 'accompanied' by a non-functional in-flight entertainment system on the long leg of the flight (London to Phoenix). It was needless to say, a really boring 15 hours. I tried catching up on lost sleep the last 2 nights (Sun night in Heidelberg preparing for my interview-presentation and Mon night spent packing). Sleep came in the form of staccato notes; short and restless.

As usual, I had left in a rush, and there was no time for me to reflect and be sad about leaving. But in those timeless hours up in the air, I stared out the window and let my mind wander. I miss my friends already, especially the German family that I've had the luck in the last couple of months to come to know and love.

In the week leading up to my departure, I'd often found myself wishing I'd booked a later flight to spend a few more days in Tuebingen, get everything done and have enough time to bid farewell. Or even to have booked a direct flight home instead. After more than a year and a half away, the one thing I really want to do is to go home.

But now that I am here, I am determinded to make the best out of it (after I finish writing up my thesis that is). Am frantically trying to finish it in the next days so I can finally put this behind me and put my feet up (or let my hair down). After a whole day of sleeping yesterday, I have been rather productive today, I must say. hee. Hence am letting myself have a break now and write something else. :)

Maybe I could even go to the pool for a bit. (Or just watch some Japanese dramas!) Gosh I feel lazy... I might still be able to use the 'I'm jetlagged' excuse today and start getting off my ass (to the gym and pool) tomorrow. We'll see. It's perpetually over 30 degrees out here.

P.S.: A quick add-on to the Heidelberg interview - I received a last-minute invitation (before I leave Europe) to go for an interview in the university there. I thought it went ok, and the little time I had to look around the city left me with a good impression. The group leader seemed nice (American) and he said he will let me know again (after he has interviewed other candidates). The lab members were nice to me that day so overall it was a good albeit short trip. ^_^