Intellectual ferment

Two other fellows here at the Collegium Budapest, Sergio and Walter, also do work similar to mine. They are working on computer simulations of the types of reactions I do in the lab. We are finding a lot of similarities in our ideas about the origins of life, and we are all learning things form each other. The energy and excitement is great. We went out for beers last night, and we kept talking about science. We also discussed politics, culture, movies, and music. Although we have covered a lot of gaps in our knowledge of science, none of us fully understand the popularity of George Michael. He sells out here in Budapest, at 60 Euro a ticket. We think it is some sort of Wham-nostalgia syndrome. Sergio is Italian, so he doesn't handle his beer so well. After a few, he broke down and admitted that he really enjoys Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and has all the seasons on dvd. We also all like Tom Waits, but don't understand what he is singing about. So, all in all it was a very productive night.

The weather has cooled off some, and I actually needed a jacket last night for the first time. Lightening storms continue to blow by, quickly, each afternoon.

Tonight, Eors has invited me to a big fancy dinner a the Collegium. These only happen once every other month, so I came at the right time. With the dinner, the other scholars that are here right now, and the fact that this is the only week Eors will be here all summer, I think the planets are aligning for me. It is too bad I will have to leave Saturday but,

Eric Travels