Last winter, I got an email about a National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop on the Ecology of Infectious Diseases.  I sent in my application, with no expectations.  A few months later, I was notified that I was selected to participate.  How could I turn down a free trip to London! The goal was to meet and network with scientists from the UK, Israel and China. I had to change the final exam date in my class, but the students were not at all upset.  My sister also had work to do in London, so it turned out to be a perfect workcation.    

From London Heathrow, I took the Picadilly line to Russell Square where I met my sister at the huge Royal National Hotel, my home for my London stay. We met a friend and walked around the neighborhood, had some Indian food for lunch, and checked out Covent Garden, already mobbed by tourists in May. I wasn’t too jet-lagged, so we rented Lyme electric bicycles and rode around the city, ending up at Sutton and Sons for vegan fish (made of banana blossoms) and chips.

London is so huge, and so diverse.  I hear many unfamiliar languages in this truly global city. Some more of the highlights before the start of the meeting were: visiting a street fair in Greenwich, the Tate Modern museum, the Takac string quartet at Wigmore Hall, and Hamilton!  I didn’t expect to enjoy Hamilton as much as I did; the dancing, singing and acting were pretty incredible. I also saw the Elton John photography collection, and an exhibit by the artist Yinka Shonibare. And of course, I ate at excellent vegan restaurants – my favorite places were Mildred’s, Cream Dream Ukrainian vegan cafe, and Addis vegan Ethiopian restaurant. 

One morning, I visited the workshop of the bassoon case maker, Howard Wiseman. My current bassoon case is simply too heavy, so I went and specified exactly what I want for a new carbon fiber bassoon case. It was also interesting to get out into a very non-touristy neighborhood. I enjoy the public transit, with the tube and double decker buses. The prime minister announced that they were holding elections soon in the UK. The campaign season lasts about 2 months in England, infinitesimal compared to the endless campaign season in the USA. Also, even though London is no longer part of the EU, it still seems like the European capital to me. 

The NSF workshop was fun, simply meeting people and brainstorming. There are some intriguing possibilities for new collaborations. This summer, I am not planning any field work, but rather some good time with family and friends.