Beans

– You seem to be taking a long time to get over the jet lag.
– I think I must be particularly sensitive.
– Not what I would have expected, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
– It is quite a shock to the system: the dramatic changes in time zones, the loss of a night's sleep, the in-flight meals.
– All those little bags of pretzels really take it out of you.
– And the conference schedule was fairly punishing, with hardly a break from endless lectures and poster sessions. I've never been a fan of working breakfasts.
– Goodness no. Breakfasts are a time to gently re-establish contact with the world, not make small talk with senior management over a Danish pastry. But I suppose Americans are very keen on that sort of thing.
– They do tend to be generally more enthusiastic about everything.
– Extraordinary. But how was it over there? Boston, they say, is an exciting place to visit.
– Yes. I believe so. Not that I saw much of it. The convention centre was pleasant enough. Quite a large auditorium. Not the most comfortable seating.
– Was that it?
– I did get out one day – had a little wander around the historical sights. They seem quite keen on history. The Boston Tea Party, the War of Independence, all that sort of thing. Almost seem to resent the British.
– Well, time is a great healer.
– Is that so?
– I think so. But I would still keep a low profile if I were you.