Almost done!!!!

Since Berlin I've been glued to my thesis. Although it hasn't been nine months, I still feel like it's my baby. In fact, it has been quite the process and like pregnancy, involved many mood swings, cravings, and fatigue. Believe it or not, I've really enjoyed the process! I had a personal puzzle for four months. In case you are curious and don't know already, I'm writing about sex differences in foreign language comprehension performance and how it relates to subject familiarity, text content, and reading processing styles. If you even finished that last sentence and actually want a copy, please let me know. I collected data at a local school here which was a really fun experience as well. It was refreshing to be back in a high school full of confused teeny-boppers. The results from the experiment were so strange and unexpected that I had the pleasure of returning a second time to discuss the results with the participants. The unexpected results really gave me something interesting to write about. I'm pretty pleased with the finished product, although a few finishing touches are still to be made. Within a week I will be completely finished with my degree!!!

Last week my program had a symposium to present and defend our theses. I was pretty nervous but it went better than I could have imagined. I got lots of encouraging feedback and simply enjoyed telling everyone what I have been working on for the last four months. After the symposium we went to my adviser's home for a farewell party. I have to admit that I became slightly nostalgic. This year has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only have I received a great education and quite the adventure, but I also got to experience some amazing people along the way. It's strange to say goodbyes and question whether you will see these people again in life. It's a pretty international group though so I have a feeling some of our paths will cross again which is refreshing. The celebration lasted well into the evening hours. It was the perfect end to a great year with a great group of people.


Joyce and I hiding our nerves before the big presentations

Gathering afterwards at my adviser's beautiful home

A few girls I am going to miss

Nienke and I after some yummy pizza

Marijn and I dancing the night away

No, actually Paul danced the night away

Catch-up!

It's been over a month since I last updated this blog so it's time for a little catch-up. About a month ago, I took a weekend break from my thesis and went back to my home away from home - Berlin. My good friend Marieke joined me on the journey. She had never been to Berlin before so it was great to show her around and see her reaction to a city I lost my heart to already two years ago. After a bit of shock, I think she began to understand the city's strange and complex charm. On the way, my camera died but luckily we were able to borrow a camera from a friend (thank you Karin) to capture some great moments.

Berlin?

The sun shining over the Jewish Memorial

Back together again

How I felt after a few German beers, chocolate cakes, and pretzels

Marieke experienced a lot of firsts while in Berlin, but unfortunately sushi was also a last.

Right next to the wall a huge concert hall complex was recently constructed. I have a feeling that 20 years ago, no one could even imagine such a sight.

The 'hof' (courtyard) at Karin's. They are definitely something I miss about Berlin.