First Day At Work

Today, I got up at 7 in the morning, my body clock actually is in synergy with the time out here; because in India I had this habit of sleeping at about 3 am(i.e. 10:30 pm here) and getting up at about 11 am(i.e. 6:30 am here). I had a breakfast of bread and coffee and went to the University at 8:45 only though the professor called us at 9:30 am. It was drizzling a bit and the cold wind added to the excitement. We reached the place at around 9:10 am and waited outside Prof. Courtial's chamber.

About half an hour of wait ticked away, suddenly a young man came in front of us on a cycle. His face resembled the face that I searched on google a day before. Seeing us, he unfastened his helmet and with a child-like excitement shook hands with us. He pronounced my name correctly, I felt relieved that at least I am not harsh to these people. He introduced us to all the members of the Optics group and then gave a brief introduction to all the laboratories around. The people are so friendly and cooperative, that I wonder sometimes, "Can people really be so good?"

The professor took out his Canon EOS and captured our photos to upload in the website. And now, our photos are in the Official Website of Glasgow University Optic's Group. (http://www.physics.gla.ac.uk/Optics/people/)

Another two hours went by in administration and organizational stuff, where we were to sign some documents and finances were to be cleared up. Then the professor called us to describe what ideas he had in his mind for us, and explained the things. The knowledge was completely new and fascinating plus his enthusiasm proved to be a fuel to our interest. He was accompanied by his Ph.D student Alasdair C. Hamilton, a six feet six inches tall, heavy guy; who too was very friendly. His accent was a bit troublesome, since he happens to be Scottish. Done with the primary orientation, we went into the specific room allotted to us, towards our specific table. I fought with the research paper with a flickering concentration due to reasons unmentioned(The Scottish people talk so loudly).

The Workplace

At 1 pm, it was the lunch time. We went to the Byres Street with the group and brought a meal worth 2.99 pounds. Roasted Sandwich, a cherry cake and sprite was enough to satiate my hungry stomach. The lunch was on a common dining table, in the HOD's room. The HOD Optics Department Mr. Padgett turned a bit on the serious note; introvert and reserved from the rest of the group. The lunch ended, studies began, read two research papers in two hours with eyes drowning with sleep. I hate this period 1 pm - 3 pm; be it Delhi or Glasgow, sleep never forgets to bug me during this time.

The Byres Street

The professor called us at about three to have a small talk about the research topics and about what he expects us to do. Our predecessor from IIT last year did some groundbreaking research and the professor expects us to be able to achieve atleast that benchmark. This is difficult and challenging but very interesting. Challenging and interesting is a rare combination - you never get tired trying the thing if it's interesting. The professor is so passionate when it comes to his area of research - Metamaterials. He related his tryst with research and told about Glasgow as a city. He asked our favorite sports and asked us to join him in bicycle races, jogging and even invited me to play football with the group members.

Prof. Courtial with his daughter Beatrice

The professor then let us meet his six months old daughter and his wife, who greeted us very cordially. The professor bid us a bye saying, "Now, I've to go and change the nappies." That ended my day at the University, have a lots of homework at hand and my eyes are already droopy.

P.S. Sorry Airtel, I ditched you for Vodafone. This is my number : +447789472909. I know no-one is going to call me.
P.S. The international rate(5 pence per min) is lower than the local rate(20 pence per min).
P.S. Did a shopping of 10 pounds, only!