Christmas in warmer climes
Three 1970s alumni now living in exotic locations share some warmth this chilly festive season…
Torben Poulsen
Then: Administrative Assistant, Administration, 1976–1998
Now: Retired and living in Thailand
Coming to EMBL … “I was tired of the three-day work week, endless strikes, bomb explosions and annoying hoaxes of early-70s London. The job interview, conducted by Sir John Kendrew was, to my relief, in English (I had exaggerated my knowledge of German).
EMBL in the 70s… “The greatest ‘culture shock’ was the informality: as purchasing manager, I wasn’t happy about getting chemical requests written on the back of envelopes!
After EMBL … “My late wife and I spent a few years in Thailand studying Thai; it’s a fantasic country and I have since remarried and settled here.
Connections to EMBL … “Belinda Bullard, Kevin Leonard, and Michael Reedy asked us to collect live giant water bugs for their work. I negotiated with monks in rural temples, offering a donation if they caught 200!
The festive season … “Most Thais are Buddhists but will never miss an opportunity to party. I escape the bedlam by driving 800 km to beautiful beaches.
I enjoyed my recent visit to the lab and would be glad to show any staff or alumni the beautiful north of Thailand.”
Patrick Laboeusse
Then: Staff Scientist, Instrumentation, 1978–1985
Now: Chairman, Labo Meca UMS, Madagascar
Coming to EMBL … “It was a completely new life. I was 27 and came directly from Paris – working in the workshop I had to learn German very quickly!
After EMBL … “I went to Madagascar 11 years ago to find some freedom – where the sun shines every day and food is fresh. Life is very simple here, but when you feel free there are highlights every minute! The company is expanding into Africa and I will move to the Ivory Coast next year to build a new workshop.
Connections to EMBL … “I am still in contact with Marie-Thérèse Dauvergne in Grenoble.
The festive season … “Madagascar is an ex-French colony so the traditions are very similar, especially Christmas; the music is more African, and for food we have fresh crab, lobster, prawns, and plenty of vegetables and fruit.”
Reuben Leberman
Then: Group Leader and Senior Scientist, Cell Biology and Biophysics, 1976–1998
Now: Retired, Honorary Research Fellow Massey University
Coming to EMBL … “I helped set up wet labs in Heidelberg and later Grenoble, where I continued my research. In 1983 I had a eureka moment: finding the relationship between the G-binding domain of EF-Tu and p21.
After EMBL … “We moved to New Zealand in 2002 with our younger daughter, who has Asperger’s syndrome, to be nearer our elder daughter. After a year settling in our century- old villa, situated north of Wellington, an enquiry to the University about library facilities led to an interview upon which I was awarded an Honorary Research Fellowship.
The festive season … “A major difficulty for us Europeans is dealing with the seasonal differences: while many in Europe are thinking of turkey, snow and skiing, we are thinking of barbeques, beach and summer holidays – it feels wrong! Many New Zealanders have a sort of Christmas celebration in June – the middle of Winter down-under.”
Ellen Dearden