Alexandre R.J. Francois

Officially back in Cambridge! Too tired to take a picture, though... Today's stair number: 1

To go from Vienna to Berlin, we took the night train in a Wagon-lit. Not quite James Bond's Orient Express mahogany, first class dinner or Aston Martin on arrival; but still pretty cool!

Lots of music and musicians in Vienna. We went to check out the Bosendorfer factory (never seen so many astonishingly good pianos in one single room!). The picture is the sign of a smaller Klaviersalon in Vienna.

Off to Vienna for the International Symposium on Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR), and then Berlin for a planning meeting for another meeting (!) Today's stair number: 4

Porter Square is actually closer to our place than Harvard Square, and not as crowded (and touristy). The mobile sculpture at the T Station is by Susumu Shingu, and titled "Gift of the Wind" ( more... ). Today's stair number: 2

Today the weather was again exceptionally enjoyable! We were astonished to find these overgrown sunflowers on our way to the office this morning. Today's stair number: 1

Yummy! Today's stair number: 2

Today we had our first Radcliffe lunch, a great opportunity for the fellows to learn more about each other's projects and interests. I also went for my first squash clinic (first squash anything, really) at the Murr Center, across the river. The picture is the Harvard Business school from the Larz Anderson bridge. Today's stair number: 1

So far, we have mostly been exploring the area between Harvard Square and Porter Square. Today we decided to enjoy the amazingly nice weather and walk to and around Fresh Pond. It's a nice place to go walk, run or bike, but really not as wild as the picture could lead to believe... Today's stair number: 4

Need I say more? Today's stair number: 4

Some of the research material I ordered last week has just arrived--and just in time for a probably rainy Saturday that will have to be entirely devoted to running experiments. Today's stair number: 4

I finally got a semi-decent shot of one of the numerous squirrels that tirelessly collect food in preparation for the winter. Today's stair number: 1

Today was the Radcliffe picnic with staff, fellows, families and friends. Still so many interesting people, and so little time to talk to everyone of them... After yesterday's rain, the sun is back, apparently for a while. The squirrels are happy, but I am having a hard time getting a good shot of a squirrel enjoying the weather. So the picture of the day is Elaine in her office, emailing everybody about my blog. Today's stair number: 3

Today was our first rainy day. We got matching Harvard umbrellas. That's today's picture, on the porch of our office building. Today's stair number: 2

Today was orientation day at Radcliffe, which was very exciting. Met many very interesting people, and look forward to getting to know everyone. But the picture of the day is that our stuff got here! The timing made the day a little more hectic than absolutely necessary, but we really cannot complain (NorthStar Moving did a great job). I am really glad the movers took everything up the stairs to our appartment, even if a significant portion of what we shipped will eventually go to our offices... Today's stair number: 6

Highlight of the day: laundry. The laundry room is in the basement, so that bumps up the stair number by 3 right there! I finally managed to get pictures off the camera (borrowed a cable), so the Radcliffe/Bunting Quadrangle picture from September 6 is now posted. My "one picture per day" (oppd?) project officially starts tomorrow... Today's stair number: 6

Today we got internet at home! We walked to Porter Square in the late morning/early afternoon, checked out the many restaurants and the Japanese store. We had dinner at Legal Sea Foods in Kendall Square. It was hot and humid all day, with thunder and lightning in the evening (but hardly any rain). Best discovery of the day: the "Old Salt Ale" Today's stairs number: 5

Harvard Square will probably be a hang out place for us. We have had many meals there already: I liked Algiers and Bertucci's (the best pizza I have had in years). Today we explored the Coop, and found the post office. We also went to see the Bourne Ultimatum at the Church St. Theater. Today's stairs number: 1

Today we signed in at the Fellowship program, got our offices, got to meet some of the other fellows. So exciting! Today's stairs number: 6

That's it. Last minute shopping and errands with a car. Tonight we are officially and strictly pedestrians! Todays stairs number: 5

Back from a few days to Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY. Now ready to settle in Cambridge... Today's stairs number: 1

Lots of shopping while we have a car, and lots of trips up and down the stairs... Today's stairs number: 7