Servus zamm,

So yes I know.. this is long overdue. Last update was about a month ago, and I’m writing this now in the middle of exam stress, because in six days I will finally be done with organic chemistry and can hopefully say that I’ve probably passed the exam. However, this also means that I’ll be drowning in the “Bundesimmissionsschutzgesetz” (horrible word) because on the 20^th I have to take my most scary test: environmental law. (Since I wrote this a while ago but didn’t post it yet, I can now add: I think I passed! But never wanna hear the word “Bundesimmissionschutzgesetz” again!)

But besides studying I’ve been travelling around a lot, walking around in Munich and basically: have been procrastinating way too much. But ah well, have to enjoy my semester abroad, right?

Before I’m going to tell you about Stockholm, Holland and Saalbach, I have some “observations” and funny things I don’t want to keep from you. Funny group of people, those German Professors.

- Professor Solar Engineering: “Oh you’re wondering why people don’t use this method more often? Well, Photovoltaics just have more sex appeal. These solar panels are just so damn sexy (said with passion).”

- Professor Geology: “OK we’re gonna make this easy, very easy. It’s not that hard if you compare silicate rock structures to cooking! *imagine Italian accent imitated by Bayrisch speaking prof* So you have your, spaghetti, your penne, these funny butterfly thingies – well they’re the addes anionic bindings and of course your lasagna, the polymerization of it all! Ah I’m hungry now.”

- Professor of Chemistry: so, Ta-Tü-Ta-Taaaaa. We’re all like “What the hell, why is he imitating a siren?!” “Well yes students, that’s the structure of an alpha D-glucose!” Ahem, okay.. sure why not J

So, I hope you had a laugh, shook your head and thought “well, at least she’s happy among this strange bunch.” Now we move on: Stockholm!

First time I flew by myself, and as certain people who flew to Spain with me know all too well, flying is not my favourite activity. But it all went quite smoothly, and I arrived at Arlanda airport in the afternoon. Had a look around and made the following conclusion: if you want to see beautiful men, do not study at a technical university in Germany, but move to Sweden. Damn.

At the main station I saw a pretty blonde girl running towards me: I was finally reunited with Frida, my Chuck. And as a happy Chuck-and-Larry duo we walked to the car to hug Jessi, pick up the English guys, who would turn out to be funnier than any comedian I know, and drove to Tyresö. Beautiful home in a beautiful landscape, as I had imagined Sweden. Grass, lake, nice weather. So good to see all the people from Serfaus again! It really felt like coming home. And after a chill afternoon and evening, we were told to be ready at ten the next morning; showered, dressed and packed to go. Where? I had no clue, but ah well.

Next day started with some swim training in the 16 degree lake.. there’s no better morning exercise to really wake up, trust me. And after flower picking and a rather funny but lovely bikeride with Pia, we arrived at the midsummer-chill-site. Just like the Ikea commercial, this included loads of drinking, Swedish music and dancing around a tree. Amazing, this tradition! After lunch and some more chilling, back to the Isrealsson house. More drinking (for some a bit too much, with all the consequences for a certain mr. Drunkie) more chilling, talking to random people and to friends. Dinner on the lawn with around 50 people, listening to speeches and songs by slightly intoxicated men and just enjoying the view on the lake. After dinner, the games continued. Motorically challenged as I am, and with slightly more to drink than I should (Obstler kills you, trust me) this was difficult but hilarious. And as our team captain, Mr. Isrealsson, shouldn’t be disappointed, a few of us even did the final games, which had something to do with running into the lake in your underwear, me of course tripping over a stone, swimming and running back. After that: showered, bruised but happy, just enjoyed the rest of the night. Talking, dancing, stage diving, laughing – I loved every bit of it. Watching the sunrise at 4.30 in the morning is definitely a plus as well.

The next days we walked through Stockholm, shopped, played games, chilled in the jacuzi and ended the last night of everyone together with a game. (Or should I say, game game?) Hilarious rules and the leftover Vodka certainly made sure that the mood was good – I hardly ever laughed as much as that night, even though I was completely sober. Simply high on life J

After another uneventful flight I arrived in Amsterdam, went to the Hague, saw friends on campus which was amazing. I love life here, but I’ll be happy to go back to my container as well. My parents picked me up the next day, and had a nice few days with them, including seeing opa & oma and being proud of my “little” brother during his graduation. Then it was back on the train, back to real life: study study study. (or better: I SHOULD be studying but can’t get myself to it.)

Which is probably the reason why Giulia and I decided to go to Saalbach over the weekend. Nice to be back at the Altachhof, this time on holiday, I thought. But in the end, I loved to work for 2 days, spend entire days with the horses, being in the stables at 7, teaching and talking to the guests. Also seeing old collegues again was good, had a drink at the Dakine freeride festival at night – so we did get a bit of relaxation in. And now I’m back in Munich with some muscle ache and a bit of a tan.

Other than travels: life here has remained the same. Swimming quite a bit, studying quite a bit, seeing friends, still meeting new people. And have to say: I have really met some interesting people by chance. When the shy part of me is over being nervous to talk to someone I hardly know, it’s good and sometimes gives you new perspectives on life. When back in Holland, I should maybe go to Plankenkoorts more often. Let’s see if I can meet nice surfing engineers there as well..

Other than all this, I don’t have much to tell you! I’m gonna dive into biology now, just came from a nice breakfast with Rashid, so good to see him in Munich for a bit.

See some others of you soon, I’ll be here for only 4 more weeks! So Austrians: come seeee meeee (thank goodness Laura is gonna be here soon <3) and Dutchies (Soof, Benthe, Mitch, Mark; yay!) / Moroccans (Ims!)/ Swedes / Whatevers – you’re welcome to visit, I’ll make time for you during studies and my flatmates are happy to entertain you / have entertainment suggestions as well I guess.

So much love from München and enjoy your summer! (I’m trying to survive the much-hated-by-me-30-degree-heat..)