Comments on: Christmas and Loneliness for PhD Students: Curse or Blessing?

By: constantinakatsari

constantinakatsari — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:48:04 +0000

The experts (above) tell me that I cannot hide in Muslim countries over Christmas. This is terribly disturbing because I thought they were my only option. I suppose that China and Japan are also out of the question, as they increasingly become more westernised.

If I stay in Europe, how can I get over the obsession of writing every day, including Christmas day? And, please, do not suggest any psychotropic medication!

By: Kristian

Kristian — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:24:37 +0000

This is true. The Christmas decorations in Bahrain are so over the top that they make even Oxford Street look amateurish. Reindeers and santas everwhere and trees groaning with fake presents in every major hotel and the airport.

For the first time since my M.Phil year I took the day off on Christmas Day and enjoyed the unseasonally warm Athenian air. Have been working all day on the 24th and 26th though. Books and lectures still need to be written, as do conference papers and workshop presentations…

By: Richard Baron

Richard Baron — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:41:37 +0000

Constantina, you had better choose a properly Muslim country, and not just one that has a substantial Muslim majority. I went to Istanbul for Christmas in 1995, fully expecting to escape. I landed, caught the bus into town and found a hotel. What was in the lobby? A Christmas tree and a model Father Christmas.

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!