I talked to the director of the centre, and he mentioned a few interesting engineering-type projects that he would like done. Everything sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, they are a non-profit organization, so they don't just have money lying around to hire an engineer. At the moment, we are looking into possible means of finding money for my hiring...I'll just have to wait and see.
On Thursday I took a 3-hour train to Jyv�skyl� by myself, where someone from the Paavo's lab picked me up and took me to the hotel. I walked to campus for the opening meeting, and it was wonderful to be outside. The campus area is full of trees, and was absolutely beautiful as everything is beginning to change colors. I completely regret that I forgot to bring my camera.
The course was wonderful, I learned a lot and met many wonderful PhD students from all over Europe. We had a very good time.
On Friday night, my friend Katri also happened to be in town for another conference, and so I went out with her and her friend Jari. I experienced my first Finnish dance club, which was much appreciated after sitting all day in lectures and labs.
On Saturday, the meetings concluded with a PhD thesis defense. It was most interesting to see. Afterward, I got some alone time with Paavo and we talked about new strategies for my job search. Things went very well.
I arrived back in Helsinki on Saturday night, and Pauli and his friend Aku picked me up at the train station. We went to Aku's place, where he made us a wonderful meal. Afterward, the three of us went out for a bit, but I was so tired I went home early.
