32158: D.Phil., Masonry and Happiness

I came back to my hometown in Southern France in mid-March to conduct research for my thesis while helping out a local NGO build a ranch. Self-isolation is the norm back here and I have met more horses than humans in the last 3 months. Alternating days of intense home studying with days at the ranch laying bricks, horse-riding and cutting grass makes me happy. Isolation is a gift when it can be used to reconnect with nature, the soul and the body. I look forward at some point to go back to Oxford, though, to re-embrace with the research community!