Trip to Cape Town: Day 4 (Tues, Feb 23)

My post yesterday was a bit long, so I will try to keep it shorter today, so here is a quick video update with words to follow.



Day 4 started with another run, with another amazing view, but no snakes this time. During breakfast (passion fruit was added to the fruit bowl), I did Experiencing God Day 3 from Week 6 and it really helped me to realize that I need to not focus on my discouragement from yesterday, but instead to focus on the situation from God's perspective.

After breakfast, I was able to meet with the Relocation Coordinator and get an idea of moving costs (none since UCT will pay for it), the net salary and possible housing options (UCT have furnished apartments they rent out to new faculty until they find a place to live). I decided that I should head up to the campus much earlier today. On my way up, I was able to replace some of the pictures I tried to take on Sunday. I also took this video of campus and the rugby field in front of campus.



Once I got the Physics building, I was able to talk to Andy Buffler, one of the professors on the selection committee about the job (permanent, equivalent to tenure-track) and what the expectations are (half teaching, half research), which were questions that I have had since the beginning of the process. It was certainly nice to have a chance to have those answers. I also got a chance to visit a couple lectures and see the lecture halls. After tea-time, Will, a candidate from Ohio State University give his talk.

While the selection committee prepping for the interviews (all four 30+ min interviews in a row), we went to the UCT Club for lunch and had the buffet. Not American style, but South African style, which means you only get one trip and the food was kept warm in kettle pots sitting on large hot plates. The food was very good, and I had a chance to try a South African dish, Bobotie, which a mince-meat pie with an eggy, custard topping (picture). I thought that it was very good.

I was the third of four interviews, with the entire selection committee (12 in all) sitting in the room, waiting for me. Something that was interesting was that they all stood up when I entered the room. Very impressive. I felt like the interview went well. A lot of the questions were similar to the phone interview questions. I just tried to give honest answers and be myself. I was also able to stay relative clam and not nervous, which was good. Overall, a good feeling coming out. Ultimately, I think that the Selection Committee will just have to determine they want in a candidate. I feel like all of us did a good job, but we will just have to wait and see. I was told that a decision would be reached in a week or two, so now the waiting begins.

Okay, well, that ended up being kind of long. Oh well, time for bed.