Bolivian Winter
Mood:  don't ask
Topic: Chile
I worked on my computer program to analyze data from the site today--boy it has been a while since I programmed much.  And apparently my compiler vanished when I had a new disk put in--somehow.  I had to work over the internet to my desktop computer in Cville to compile and run the program.  I'm still trying to find a dispassionate way to define the 'Bolivian Winter' during which the weather at the ALMA site is less good than during the rest of the year.  I think I have a good handle on it.  The Director proposed shutting down during two months every summer.  I think that would seriously compromise the science output of the instrument.  Besides, it doesn't save much money (people still draw salaries) and the cutback on observing time could well suggest to funding agencies that they cut back funds proportionally.  That would end up losing money, science and morale.  In the photo, the building in the center right distance is my apartment tower as seen from the office.

I had lunch with Simon Radford, who headed up to the site today to work on his QUIET experiment.  It's always good to see old friends, but especially welcome here.  He had worked with Andrew Lange, the well-known Caltech physicist who killed himself last week.  No clues as to why...

Last night in Santiago for a while--up to the site tomorrow afternoon. I printed out my boarding pass and I'll pack some stuff tonight.  This evening there is a nice cool breeze.  I got all suited up and went down to the pool to find it locked--dunno why.  Disappointing.

Guess I'll finish up my week-old chicken.  For some reason, the maid took the remainder of my loaf of bread this morning.  Oh well, easy come easy go.  Maybe I should have left her a tip.  I did have toast this am instead of cereal so I have that left tomorrow, as well as a banana.