There’s a high-pitched whine as the train hurtles down the tracks. I sit with my backpack clutched to my chest, looking out the window. A mechanical voice announces each stop and the doors whoosh open and close at regular intervals. The train car is sparsely populated, and I watch a snapshot in time of other people’s lives, all of us together here, on the train. Maybe they’re going to the airport like me - or maybe somewhere else. I hope they have safe journeys. 

Unlike this train car, the BPS meeting was packed. I attended packed sessions and walked through packed hallways. There was even a packed dance floor at the reception! I dove into the meeting again today. I stepped into a session on memory. I loved thinking about the questions the engaging researchers were presenting. How do cells track time? How do cells retain memory of events and why or how do they forget? I took some notes and I hope to find some time to follow-up. 

Following the session, I bolted down a granola bar and kept going. I attended a panel and a workshop. I visited the posters again and chatted with my colleague. I stayed as long as I could until I had to run to the train station. The time, as it often seems to do at conferences, flew by. 

It’s bittersweet to be on the long path home. I’ll fall back into the rhythm of my day-to-day. The days will pass and the eager energy of the meeting will fade. I’ll think about what I’ve learned and try to maintain some of the connections I’ve made. The meeting is over, but that doesn’t mean bridges can’t continue to be built and if anything I’ve said vibes with you, feel free to reach out.