Notes From Nowhere

Dear Dr. Hare,

the idea that my case could be presented at a Swiss conference is thrilling and mortifying at once. It does deserve in-person consultation, does it not? And what could be better than seeing your therapist in the Alps? Do let me know, I’m checking flights right now.

Jens

Dear Jens,

I’m writing from Davos. It is such a coincidence that you are getting in touch right now, as I was contemplating your progress right in what you probably consider your ‘Ur-terrain’. I’m writing in haste, I’m here for some meetings and have to get to a dinner. So here’s what is on my mind. In the summer, there will be a conference on personality psychology right at Lake Geneva. I was thinking of submitting a case study that engages with you. You would have to give permission for this. I was hoping that some of my colleagues here in the region would find it interesting to think about someone from abroad whose work is so closely connected to the Alps. What do you think? Needless to say, and to my regret, we cannot schedule an appointment quite yet, for I have extended my stay.

Dr. Hare

Dear Dr. Hare,

happy New Year! I have to get straight to the point. Today the thought came up that I may move, at least for part of the year, to Geneva. Now I don’t know what to say: I have a splitting headache from the ‘polar vortex’ that reached Manhattan, and am completely confused by the extent to which the idea of eloping to Geneva speaks to me. I visited the Mont Blanc area several times but somehow never saw the snow-capped mountain itself. Obviously it must be around the corner from Geneva. Some people say the city is a boring place for UN-administrators, but they must be wrong. I’m upset and delighted at the same time, could this be a sortie from my current life? You see, I’m already practicing French: sortie, itinéraire de sauvetage, route royale! I’m a complete ignoramus as far as French is concerned, but some essential phrases are easily glanced from the web, and I keep clicking the little loudspeaker symbol to hear what it should sound like. Some bits seem really easy, like chocolat. Another great phrase: Ne me dérangez pas je suis profondément occupé. I almost feel good to go. When I don’t get what people say, I gather, I shall have to say je suis désolé, an essential phrase also for this very letter. I am more than sorry for not having kept in touch, let alone scheduled appointments, for a while. Any chance you would be free very soon?

Amitiés,
Jens