CIGS Writing Retreat at Beal

By Luna Fu

From May 13th to May 15th, 2024, the serene village of Beal became a heaven for facilitating our creativity and focus. The Retreat at the Kings Arms provided an idyllic setting for us: Ruth, Jess, Taoyuan, and Luna—two staff and two PhD students at CIGS—to delve into our writing work.

 

 

The retreat was more than just an escape from the daily grind; it was an opportunity for uninterrupted writing, constructive feedback, and intellectual camaraderie. The beautiful view of Beal outside our window and lovely strolls along the river Aire offered the perfect backdrop for inspiration and productivity.

 

 

And of course, there were the delightful companions of cute sheep and cows, adding a touch of pastoral charm to the experience!

 

 

Over the three days, we engaged in intensive writing sessions, shared our research progress, and exchanged valuable insights and ideas. The mornings began with breakfasts and invigorating walks through the scenic countryside, fostering a clear mind and a fresh perspective for the day's work. The rest of the days were dedicated to writing, with each of us immersed in our projects, ranging from drafting thesis chapters to writing research papers and monographs. During the afternoon cream tea break and dinner, we shared updates on our progress and set goals for the following day. These breaks provided a valuable opportunity for reflection and planning, ensuring we remained focused and productive.

 

 

This collaborative environment not only enhanced the quality of our work but also strengthened our bonds as members of the CIGS community. For us, as current PhD students at CIGS, agreed that this was a precious opportunity to get to know each other and share our academic journeys to create connections and offer mutual support.

 

We look forward to more such retreats in the future, as they have been proven to be a wonderful experience and vital part of our commitment to academic excellence and community building at CIGS.