Start of the project and holidays

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Last week was quite busy as I had to submit a report, write an abstract for TERMIS conference and I also went on holidays on Thursday. So yep, I’m still on holidays until the 12th, hence the delay.

Last week we had an update meeting with our course administrator where she gave us info about how things will work from now on, since we all are joining different groups. So, each of us has around 500 £ for travel and 17500 £ for laboratory expenses for the next 3 years. It is actually more than some other people get. We also can get free membership in a society such as TERMIS or others, whichever is applicable. She also has covered other things, such as: how to claim expenses, book accommodation, or use of an ordering system. More information should be provided by our supervisors.

On Wednesday, I went out with friends to a pub called Alberts Schloss, it’s a really nice place and the prices are decent. I highly recommend visiting it, also they have a free photo booth, which I think is an awesome idea. I stayed out until 1 am which meant that I had 1,5 hours of sleep as I had to catch a train to the airport at 3:30 am. Anyway, I didn’t sleep at all, well max 10 minutes and now I am at home in Latvia.

On the second day at home, the weather was amazing. It was snowing for a few hours, while the following days were extremely sunny. Only here I realize how much I miss a clear sky. Since the weather was so nice I went shooting with my parents. (no one was harmed) We were shooting at targets in a garage, so no birds or any other animal could be harmed. It was my first experience shooting a rifle and I hit the 10 on my first try. I will probably go shooting again, to see if I am actually any good at it. Apart from that I was shopping, visiting doctors for regular health checks and dentists. I am at home until the 12th of April and on the 13th, I will leave for the Diamond Light Source for a couple of days.

I am missing the beginning of my project and will start later than anyone else, but I though since my supervisor is on conference I can go home. Its going to be interesting when I get back to UK.