Went to Grenoble (France) and Geneva (Switzerland) recently. From 18th to 22nd June to be exact. The trip is organised by the Institute of Physics.
In France, we went to the I'LL, ESRF and CNRS. We saw cutting edge technology like superconducting magnets, high tech cooling (to a few milli Kelvins!), magnetic imaging technology and several other experiments involving crystal growing, X-rays and neutron beams. We also visited a synchrotron (800+ metres in circumference!). Basically, the sychrotron accelerates electrons to high velocities and makes use of the X-rays generated by the centripetal acceleration of the electrons to do experiments. However, what I think is the most impressive part of the France visit is the visit to the I'LL. At the I'LL, we literally went to a nuclear reactor (57MW!). I mean, how many times do u get to visit a nuclear plant in your whole life? According to the scientists there, the reactor actually heats up a nearby river by 1 degree celcius!
In Switzerland, we went to the world famous CERN. There we visited the soon-to-be operational LHC. At 27 km in circumference, it is impressive. Though you don't see it physically since it is mostly underground. We saw things like 15m tall electromagnets fited with muon detectors, lead-perspex crystals and a whole load of high tech stuff.
With each visit to the research institutes, there is a talk and a professional scientist leading a small group around. My impression was that the research institutes were very interested in letting people know about their work and the scientists are very patient in explaining their work to layman like us. It was very good. In a way, it also reaffirmed my determination to do Physics.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Safe in a crazy world
Don't know why. But I always feel very comforted when I listen to Corrine May's "Safe in a crazy world"
"You keep my flying, you keep me smiling, you keep me safe in a crazy world"
It's her voice. It's the words. Perhaps, more than anything, it's me. Not "me" as in "I make the song nice" but "me" as in "the song is just right for ME".
I feel that it is a very soothing, gentle and warm song. Close your eyes and listen to this song, it's as if the troubles of the world are shut out and you are, as the title suggests, safe in a crazy world.
Just comforting to know that there is solace in a song like this whenever you need it.
"...you understand me, embrace my fragility, you keep me safe in a crazy world..."
"You keep my flying, you keep me smiling, you keep me safe in a crazy world"
It's her voice. It's the words. Perhaps, more than anything, it's me. Not "me" as in "I make the song nice" but "me" as in "the song is just right for ME".
I feel that it is a very soothing, gentle and warm song. Close your eyes and listen to this song, it's as if the troubles of the world are shut out and you are, as the title suggests, safe in a crazy world.
Just comforting to know that there is solace in a song like this whenever you need it.
"...you understand me, embrace my fragility, you keep me safe in a crazy world..."
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Soon... soon....
Only 1 more paper left.....
It's the paper I dread most. Mathematical analysis. Whole bunch of pure maths. Damn xiong.
But never mind. Just hang on. Hang on a little longer.
It's the paper I dread most. Mathematical analysis. Whole bunch of pure maths. Damn xiong.
But never mind. Just hang on. Hang on a little longer.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Going home....
In a couple of weeks, I'll be heading home.
Excited, generally speaking. Really looking forward to see my family and friends. Go out partying all night with my 5 other best friends. Do the things I used to do. Play cheap pool. Most of all, feel at home.
But then I know, at the end of my holiday I'll have to head back to UK. Don't get me wrong. I don't dread the UK at all. In fact, I feel that coming to UK to study is an experience of a lifetime. I love the independent lifestyle, the feeling of being in Europe and studying in Imperial (it's really a good school IMO).
It's just that, I'll be heading back to UK without a very very important person...
What will life be like then?
The road that lies ahead is tough no doubt. But that's the only route I have. There's no other way out. Whatever it is, I'll walk this path to the end.
Excited, generally speaking. Really looking forward to see my family and friends. Go out partying all night with my 5 other best friends. Do the things I used to do. Play cheap pool. Most of all, feel at home.
But then I know, at the end of my holiday I'll have to head back to UK. Don't get me wrong. I don't dread the UK at all. In fact, I feel that coming to UK to study is an experience of a lifetime. I love the independent lifestyle, the feeling of being in Europe and studying in Imperial (it's really a good school IMO).
It's just that, I'll be heading back to UK without a very very important person...
What will life be like then?
The road that lies ahead is tough no doubt. But that's the only route I have. There's no other way out. Whatever it is, I'll walk this path to the end.
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