I went here today... first time in seven years (plus another since we graduated).
It's not exactly a secret or privacy-invasive (and I've even written about it on Stacker before... #847595), but I'll leave the exercise for curious stackers to figure out.
The minute I saw the tower through the park, and my old uni stomping grounds were beckoning at me, I felt this immense nostalgia for a life long lost. These where the places I walked; where me and my friends had fun; where we learned; where we made close connections; where we grew, emotionally and intellectually.
In short, this is where we became adults
I've thought much about this time (#994746, or for Mises: #879698). Intellectually, I was hungry and curious and everything seemed exciting. Personally, as my layers of friends and acquaintances had never been (and never again will be) as large and as intense as they were then. I had a discipline I can't even dream about today, a playful childishness that only rarely pops out, a deep respect and admiration for the institution itself and the learned scholars that surrounded me.
...and, we reflected today me and one of my old uni mates, endless time. We just spent sooo much time doing, um, questionable things?
Now, I'm lazy and cynical and jaded and not-very-hungry. I'm much better at my craft, and I'm slowly finding my place -- profess, personally, emotionally, spiritually. I'm stronger and smarter than back then, by a mile... but also angrier and much more rude and less compassionate than back then.
God knows whether it was a good trade, or there was a different path.
I saw this painting in the gift shop and it instantly re-invigorated this awe of academic traditions and aspirations that I had mostly forgotten.
Remember when I thought the grades mattered, how hard I'd work for a slightly different number and letter on a fancy paper nobody will ever look at?
Finally, it's just surreal to be around these buildings and familiar places... without any of the familiar faces. I am tied to this physical environment, but I don't belong here anymore.
It's odd. Unreal. Like out of a long-lost dream.
Anyway, those are the thoughts and reflections from today.