I have absolutely no complaints about our adventures in the Netherlands. We are in Leiden because of connections that Mark has in science and Ariane Briegel and Dennis Claessen are taking fantastic care of us.
We got to observe a PhD defense today (mostly in Dutch) in an old university building. The examination committee wore ‘togas’ (what I would call academic regalia). It was formal and fascinating. I loved the leaded glass windows. There were two different designs but they each could tile the plane.
After a quick visit to the Hortus botanicus of Leiden, the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world, we had lunch with our hosts. Then Mark was whisked back to the Institute of Biology at Leiden (IBL) to talk with graduate students while I worked on writing in the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, we had a special tour of the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, given by Curator Bart Grob. Honestly, I think Mark found someone who loves science as much as he does. Bart even let him handle an authentic reproduction of a Leeuwenhoek microscope. Mark called Bart a Future Historian and I think that is particularly apt. He curates current science objects that will be important to future generations. The contagion exhibit was conceived and created before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Obviously there were additions made along the way.
We ended the day with drinks and a lovely meal. The only downside to the entire day was that we were a little wet upon our return to the hotel.
My watch claims I walked over 15K steps again. My knee is stiff but does not require icing. Perhaps it is getting stronger with all these adventures.
Math in the Time of Corona 