Archive for the ‘An Englishman in…’ Category

Posted on March 20, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Back Home (25)

Andy Cheung said I should write something, as you may all be wondering if I ever made it back home, as the last you heard I was hanging around an airport waiting for a delayed flight Well, I returned on Tuesday to cold and miserable weather, a far cry from North Carolina’s balmy temperatures. Great to be back with the family, though. BTW, apart from the `plane delay I nearly didn’t make the airport. Travelling on the inside lane of a 14-lane highway (yes, 14) back in America I nearly missed my exit. I was faced with having to cross six lanes within a several hundred yards in nose-to-tail traffic. What a mad country that is! Anyway, the diary ends here but will continue during my forthcoming trip to Israel in May, so join me then. And thanks for the comments (the few who bothered). Let’s hope we can spark a bit more discussion next time.

Posted on March 17, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Experiencing Irony (24)

Further to my last post about looking forward to getting back home to happy, scowling faces, just as I published the last comment we had an update at the gate about the delayed flight. The attendant was English, would you believe., so I went over to speak about the delay and my connection. Halfway through the conversation she simply walked away, scowl and all, without any explanation! Somewhat ironic, given my last comment typed up just seconds before. Aaaah, it all made me feel quite homesick (people often walk away from me halfway through conversations) :O

Posted on March 17, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Coming Home (I hope) (23)

Spent the night at a Holiday Inn Express near the airport. Their hotels over here offer so much better value for the money than back in Europe, where accommodation is ridiculously overpriced. But the first leg of my flight from Raleigh (pronounced `Raaaaahleeh’ here in North Carolina, sorry, I mean Carolaaaahna) has been delayed, which means I am really cutting it fine to catch my Newark-Gatwick flight. No doubt if I do make it my bags will not (the worse was when I visited Dave Royle’s in South Africa once and Air France lost my bags for five days… deliberately, I’ll bet). Anyway, I doubt I will post anything at Newark, unless, of course, I miss my connection and spend the evening there. (more…)

Posted on March 17, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman in the Back of Beyond (22)

Apologies for no entries for the past 24 hours. After the conference (which was highly successful) I left early this morning to speak over in Western North Carolina and have only just returned to the so-called `Research Triangle’ (where the conference was held), an area encompassing Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill and a third university which gives this area this name. This scholarly and historic district, replete with `old money’, brings in many of out-of-state students, making it a wealthy, prestigious region driven by intense college sports rivalries (a big thing over here). (more…)

Posted on March 15, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Near New York (21)

Yesterday was a day for meeting lots of people, which is half of what these conferences are really about (as with most things, much of the academic game is who you know). One such encounter was somewhat funny. We all have to wear nametags hung around our neck, which also indicate our institutional affiliation. (more…)

Posted on March 14, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman in New York (20)

Just wrote a long entry then lost it as the connection was cut! All that effort for nothing, just because I failed to back up periodically. Pity really, as I’m short on time now and will have to write something later. Anyway, these Americans really know how to organise a conference. It has given me various ideas for some seminars we are planning later on. And the Duke University campus is quite something. It has lovely gardens, buildings clad in stone, and a splendid chapel in Gothic style. The thing is, the University was only founded and constructed in the late 1920s, so in a sense it is somewhat of an illusion, but quite a spectacular one nonetheless. It is very different from the many other US university campuses I’ve visited and in some ways resembles an old, prestigious university campus in Britain. You can see some pictures here. Duke University is the home of the basketball team and Blue Speedo fan discussed in a previous entry. Hang on, I’d better back this up before I lose it again… (more…)

Posted on March 14, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Near New York (19)

Settling down now. Nice to be permanently connected to the Internetat last (my in-laws, Kay’s parents, bles `em, don’t have an internet connection back in Ohio). My daughter (who is over visiting them) and I had to go out every night looking for a hotspot outside of restuaurants etc. There are lvarious free hotspots in some US cities but you have to find them. I have a little device which can pick them up, so Gabriella (my daughter) and I drove all around Toledo looking for hotspots. I was a bit concerned, though,  keeping on stopping outside restaurants for us both to work on our laptops in the car. (more…)

Posted on March 13, 2008 - by Calvin L. Smith

Englishman Near New York (18)

Sorry I haven’t posted anything today. Been travelling all day (started off at 6 am). Got to Detroit Airport early, was asked if I wanted to go an an earlier flight, and then the `plane broke down! Anyway, I’m in North Carolina at last and it is warm! (about 75 F, 24 C)  I’m in my hotel ready for the conference at Duke University and I have access to wifi the whole time I’m here, so I’ll be able to keep you updated on developments much more easily now. Right now, though, I intend to unpack and grab some food, then I’ll be in touch again later this evening (our time). So TTFN (yes, I watch it with my kids… a special marking dispensation to whoever can tell who says this ).