I was part of Western’s MLA interview team this year. I’ve heard a lot of people complain about interviewing, but I really enjoyed it, in large part because it went so well. It didn’t take Alice, Amy, and I long to settle into a groove, and most of our interviews turned out to be conversations as opposed to question checklists. Only a few candidates disappointed, and we face a pretty difficult decision.
What of the rest of the conference? None for me. With thirteen interviews in two days, there wasn’t time. I didn’t even register or go to the conference hotel. Instead, the highlight was food and drink: a trip to Shaw’s Crab House (ginger-encrusted mahi), dinner at Bella Bacino’s (white pizza with fresh pesto), drinks at Hop Leaf (Belgian whites), and dinner at 437 Rush (grilled tuna over radicchio with carmelized onion sauce). The latter two were with Thomas, Jeff, John, and Brendan. We had intended to eat at Hop Leaf, but it was packed, so we headed back to the Loop to 437, which didn’t disappoint. Wine instead of beer.
And travel? Via train, which was a pleasure. I still haven’t driven a car since our trip back from Atlanta. That should stick for at least another few days…