This afternoon I moved to new accommodation for the last three nights of my stay in Pittsburgh. After the college halls, this feels ver luxurious. I could dance in my shower and I have a bed big enough to possibly not find the floor in the middle of the night. From my bedroom window I can see the church I worshipped in last Sunday, and potentially will do so again this week.

I’ve a busy weekend planned. I’m hoping to be up fairly early tomorrow so I can head into Pittsburgh and see the museums. I’m meeting a contact for lunch and then I have a tour of the art gallery planned and maybe a little shopping. Then I’m going to have a lazy evening. I think I will pick up a salad and a bottle of wine, and chill out with a book.

It has been a really good fortnight and a much needed break from work, although not from family. Fortunately the others on the course have kept my mind off being homesick. but I needed a rest from work. The studying has been hard work – tested my brain, and given me much to think about over the next few weeks as I write essays and prepare my proposal for my final project. I’m pleased my final project seems to have clear focus, and hopefully that will mean pulling information together and then writing will be easier once we are given permission to get going.

The break has made it clear how important it is to take time away, and to find people with who you feel comfortable to be honest and then find laughter in the ridiculousness of what it is that we do.

I’m not sure I am ready to go back to work, but there are a few days yet and a whole lot of sleep still to have. It’s going to be quiet without the other 17, but roll on June.