So I’m back in Vienna but what happened in Canterbury after Monday?
On Tuesday I went around the different departments I used to work in. I spent hours of talking to the people, catching up with the recent news. It is great to still feel part of it. I had a longer conversation with Simon about students coming to Vienna for a placement year and about other possibilities of cooperation. Unfortunately, due to the Easter vacation, I couldn’t meet with everyone I wanted to. On the other hand, it gave me more time for those I met. For example, it gave me time to enjoy a lovely lunch with Nadia in Origins Bar. In the evening we had another BBQ and I retreated early.
Wednesday I decided to travel to the factory outlet in Ashford. I wondered about the presence of the police at the Asda supermarket but heard later that just an armed robbery happened there. I then walked through most of the shops but wasn’t very decisive on the day so I ended up with only two t-shirts. On my way back I decided to drop by TK-Max in Canterbury and it was worth it – three more pieces of clothing. I like shopping in England as it can be cheaper, offering better quality and also a different kind of fashion. In the evening Matt, Carrie, Brad and I went to The Ancient Raj for a nice meal out. All in all, I had a quiet and relaxing birthday.
Thursday, Matt and I went to Biddenden Vineyards. I wanted to drive the car and we “needed” some good Cider. We had a nice walk around the vineyard and tasted some of their apple juice before buying some of their Strong Kentish Cider (Medium and Dry) and Special Reserve Cider. I took a bottle of each home to Vienna. We also purchased a crate of a nice local Ale. On the way to Canterbury we passed Headcorn where I used to perform my first parachute jump. So I took Matt around the Headcorn Aerodrome and the Parachute Club.
Thursday evening we had a bigger BBQ event at 3WW. This was part of Matt’s announcement:
I think we're going to BBQ this Thursday. You should, by now, know the
time. You might even know the routine. In case you don't...
WHERE: 3 WW
WHEN : Thursday, April 20th, 19:00ish
WHY : Come say high to Ralph
WHAT : Bring some food and beverage
Many followed this invitation. It was nice to have half an hour to talk to Keith – all the best for finishing up your dissertation. Also, Nick came along with a bunch of friends. The food was good as ever but we realised again that two BBQ’s are better than one and that we need a second. I forgot to prepare the dates wrapped in bacon (you can fry them up in a pan too) – shame on me.
Friday I had to leave again – I can’t say I wanted to leave already. The place changes and more is to come. However I don’t come for the place but for the people. Once everyone is gone I feel Canterbury will be like an empty shell. Pictures will be up soon, I hope. But more about that endeavour in a different post.
Many thanks to all in Canterbury that made my stay so pleasant!!!
