Hangover

No, this is not what you think. It's not a hangover from alcohol but from my vacation. As readers will know, I spent from last Wednesday to yesterday night in Poland with QueenB and I loved every minute of it! It wasn't just that I got to see the many sights of Krakow, which happens to be a beautiful and historically rich city, but that I was able to hang out with a good friend and not feel the pull or hear the nag of research left undone. Leaving the country highlighted the fact that I spend each day trying to meet people and make sense of my research questions, struggle with learning a new language, organising my schedule, and fighting an ever-present and ever-loosing battle with money. While most of these tasks are rewarding (hint: I'm not talking about the money part) each bring a degree of stress and level of obligation with them. While I wouldn't trade this year in the Netherlands for anything, it was nice to leave and be taken care of; it is the only way I can put it.

I think subconsciously, I had decided that it time for a little relaxation. This was proven by the fact that I walked out of my house in the wee hours on Wednesday morning and left for my trip without my glasses. Now, I'm not blind by any stretch of the imagination. I can see large objects but would have a hard time reading signs or seeing distinct features on peoples faces at a distance. As I cycle the streets of Rotterdam to get groceries or go to my Dutch classes, my glasses are on and I'm looking for potential research ideas. Since I left my glasses at home, I was relieved of having to take charge and just went with the flow. It made looking at beautifully articulated church ceilings tougher, but for those areas where I was able, I took a picture with my camera and zoomed in to note the detail (a regular MacGyver solution minus the duct tape if you ask me).

All in all, I had a wonderful time in Poland and I was taken care of like a Queen! In fact, Grandpa decided to give me a Polish name (as Jennifer's are not common there) and we chose Jagoda. The short form sounds somewhat close to my name in my opinion and also, Jagoda is the name of one of the most famous Polish queens. Hence, from my truly royal treatment...I have a hangover adjusting to life as a mere pauper again back in my native borough. I'm sure there is some part of me excited to get back to work (I'm still searching...) and it is good to get back to Nederlanders. But as of the first day back, with my glasses secured firmly in place, I'm suffering from a mild hangover.