flixxcast

Good morning.

2011-04-06T23:45:00.003+02:00

Friends.

2011-03-31T23:47:00.006+02:00

FRIENDS. A word that seems to be so simple and is often used in an inflationary way. Everybody is talking about them, everybody wants them. Everybody has them. At least I do hope so.

But the question is: who is your friend? Who are your friends? The ones, you go out with from time to time? The ones, you have a chat every once in a while? The ones you see every day to share every day's moments? Or the ones, you share the very special ones, even if they are not with you? The ones, you can rely on for 100%? The ones, you can cry with and just be yourself? Or is it even the one? No plural, but just that one special person?

I think everybody has to decide on his own, whom he'd like to consider as a friend. I am pretty happy to be able to say: I have some friends I can rely on for 100%. That I can talk to about anything. Share every moment: the special ones as well as the daily live. Friends that are close or don't live around the corner. But you know, even if you just talk to them twice a year and see them even less: they are there. For you, for me. For us.

Thanks a lot therefor guys.

Strange moody days.

2011-03-27T01:26:00.003+01:00

It's been quite quiet the last weeks on here. But it seems as if it just reflects my private life these days... As my daily life at work turned out to be quite busy lately, I am trying to keep private things easy and simple, focusing on taking a time-out for myself to be able to think about various things and of course on spending time with close friends instead of adventure, party and stuff. And I have to admit, I really like it. Enjoying good moments with great people seems to be the best option these days. In combination with good music it even gets better.

Today I also took some new pictures. I would like to have some more time left to concentrate on that in order to improve my knowledge on photography. But as time is little, I didn't do it that much. But I hope, with the beginning of spring, the outcoming sun and blue sky, I get some more motivation to go out with my camera to document the birth of nature in spring. :-)

Besides all that, it also really became clear, that it's neccessary for me to go back to Madrid for some days. I miss the mood of the city and - of course - my friends over there. So I am thinking about going there in the end of April. Let's see if I can manage it somehow. Would be great.

To end this thing up, I'd like to post a song I am listening to over and over again. It's just great.

S-Bahn experiences.

2011-02-16T19:33:00.001+01:00

Being back in Munich is really great. It feels like coming back "home" on the one hand and discovering new things and getting used to them on the other hand.

One difference to the last months is the use of public transport. As I still don't have my little yellow baby with me, I am totally dependent of public transport here. As I am spending almost 2 hours using the public transport every day on my way to work, you see all kind of people: Weirdos, nice ones, ugly ones, regular ones and even those you don't see - although they are obviously there.

And then there is one thing, I totally cannot understand: in the rush hour, when there is almost no place left to get your ass in the metro, then there are these young mothers. With their babies. In the biggest buggies you can imagine. But there is not only one of them. There are 2. Or 3. Maybe heading home from gymnastics with their babies. Or some random beauty session for the new born kids. But let me make my point: the metro is fully packed, the mothers are standing outside as part of a gang, that cannot be split up for the 5min-ride. So the metro stops, the doors open and they are pushing. Pushing. And more pushing. With all the power that is left after having given life to their kids. And you are there. In the corner. Being surrounded by the buggies of the gang. And the only thought that is left in that special moment is: "Hopefully are they stepping off the metro at the same station as I do!"*

*I don’t want young mothers to feel offended

Flashback | 2 0 1 0.

2010-12-23T22:58:00.007+01:00

Shortly, before the year is over, I will at least post one last post for 2010 resuming my great and turbulent experiences of 2010.

The last months might have been one of the most exciting ones ever. I got to know so many great people from all over the world, I finished my studies and already entered the labor market and found a job. The cities Madrid, Berlin and Munich give kind of a hometown-feeling due to great people, moments and experiences.

But to give some more information, I'll try to point out my personal highlights of 2010 in the upcoming lines:

JANUARY

January started with a big BOOM in Sol in Madrid with Guido and some other friends. After having spent some months already in Madrid, it was great to have a good friend like him with me to share this moment as well as to have the opportunity to share also the moments, I was able to enjoy beforehands. Still, I consider Madrid as a tremendous thing, maybe the most meaningful thing I've done so far. The time over there influenced me and my life in big ways. Getting to know so many great people opened my sights in various directions. Being afraid to forget somebody, I will just concentrate on the most important one, I got to know in the end of my Erasmus adventure: David. I do not want to loose more words than: muchisimas gracias por haberte conocido! I think everybody who knows me, knows what I am talking about.

FEBRUARY

The time of my life ended in February and with entering the airplane back to Stuttgart. An unforgetable month in Madrid with my friends and David also ended. The new chapter started... a chapter I wasn't happy about at all. Coming back to my hometown, living with my parents under one roof after having lived on my own for 1,5 years back then, ... but the worst thing was: being the only one coming back and not having any friends left over there.

MARCH

The last chapter of my studies started: my thesis. Working in the consultancy of my professor, I had to write the thesis within the next months. Every once in a while, it wasn't funny at all and I had big doubts, if I was doing the right thing. But I kept on struggling and did it. More to come afterwards.

Besides that, David came for the first time to my hometown to bring me back some good vibes and maybe also some spanish "(fl)air".

APRIL

In April I went to Berlin for the fist time in 2011 to spend easter with David and some of my friends over there. It was great to see them after such a long time without having been there.

In the end of April, and the beginning of...

MAY

I went to Madrid. The first time after having left in February. I was given a overwhelming surprise party by David with all of my and his/our friends. It must have been the biggest surprise ever. Again: thanks to everybody for doing that pleasure to me.

My birthday weekend was quite stressful, but in the end it was worth it. And that's, what counts. So we (David and me again) headed over to Stuttgart to have a barbecue with my closest friends. The next day we were invited to a wedding of a friend of mine from school. The 23rd finally was my 25th birthday and I was happy to celebrate it with many of my friends.

JUNE

In June Summer already was ongoing and I've spent my weekends

- being on a sports competition,

- meeting friends in munich and

- seeing a great new establishment for old cars.

JULY

The world masters of 2010 in soccer didn't mean that much to me, as you should already have guessed. But it was fun, being involved in a match between Germany and Spain - having David next to me [Spain won].

Another very important thing for me was, that the 31st of July was my last day in th office. So I was off from work to be able to totally concentrate to finish me thesis.

AUGUST

Berlin calling was the theme of the eighth month and great, that I followed. So I was able to see some good old friends again and also get to know some new ones. Besides the amusement, I was writing the last lines of my thesis.

SEPTEMBER

In September, I finally started my trip to see Wiebke, who I got to know during my Erasmus in Madrid. It was quite funny to finally see her again. Besides Wiebke, I could manage to see some more friends, that live on the way to her. So it was a nice tour seeing and meeting (new) friends and cities.

OCTOBER

The famous Oktoberfest was a good opportunity for the ancient Erasmus students of the HNU. So they built up a get togehter and although I wasn't one of "them", I felt more than welcomed with my spanish friend Elena and here "gang". So we went together to the Oktoberfest, where I met some more friends. It was a blast.

Furthermore, I headed over to Madrid for a whole month, as I finally handed in my thesis and therefore finished my studies. It was a really untrue feeling to recognize, that this drama was finally over. Withoug even knowing in the end, if this was the right thing to study throughout the years. But I succeeded somehow.

Talking about my month in Madrid, I have to say two things: it was too short AND it was too short. Being back for more than just a couple of days felt incredibly long at first, but too short in the end. I got to know many new lovel people again and also wanted to spend some time with my friends over there. But in the end I couldn't manage to see all of them or let me say see them as much as I wanted to. But this is just another reason, why I have to go there pretty soon again. ;)

NOVEMBER

I left Madrid on the 10th to be back in Germany for a 80th birthday and a job interview. From that time on, the time flew by pretty fast. In the end of the month, I was told that i got the job and from the beginning of...

DECEMBER

I was employed as Junior Contact person for Media Markt Spanien. I had to search a flat and I guess, i found a nice little castle for myself. No need to share it again - except my friends, that are welcome anytime.

So... this seems to be my personal flashback 2010 in words. Some already might have seen the vid, but I'd like to post it again, to have it completely. Although... there is still one thing missing... the flashback concerning songs and music... But I think, I cannot do it. Sorry folks. I hope you enjoyed travelling through my year by reading the lines and watching the pics.

I would love to spend as much nice moments in 2011 as I did in 2010 with you guys. Let's get together and work on it. Cheers!

Back to Erasmus life.

2010-10-06T21:57:00.004+02:00

I always got kind of upset, when somebody was always talking about experiences he had abroad. Now, after having been one of these Erasmus kids, I find myself talking about that special experience from time to time. And more often. These days, I understand, why the others were so enthusiastic about it, as I am as enthusiastic now as they were then. But it makes me happy to see, that you can refresh your imagination whenever you want.

So, last week I could be part of some other's Erasmus experience, when they came back to their city: Ulm. From here, we went to Munich to the Oktoberfest and I think, we had a blast. At least, the pics show, that it was pure fun.

The good news from my side is, that I will return to my Erasmus experience on Sunday already. I am going to spend one month in Madrid again and I can't wait to see my friends over there! Looking forward seeing you guys! *Muuuak.

One step further.

2010-09-28T12:57:00.007+02:00

Since I handed in my thesis last week, I spent some great days so far. First of all, I went to Wiesbaden to see Wiebke after she left Madrid for her NY adventure for the first time. It was great to see her again, talk about the days back then and think about those, that are about to come. It was a pretty chill stay over there and besides her, I visited Wiesbaden, Mainz and Frankfurt/ Main and also met other close and new friends. On my way back home I stopped on Karlsruhe and Stuttgart and I spent some more nice hours in good company. It was a real fun week. Here you can find some pics.

Wiebke & me

Wiesbaden

Mainz

Frankfurt

Karlsruhe

Stuttgart

Besides I booked my flights for Madrid. In just 2 weeks I will head over to Spain for a month and enjoy my time over there with friends, sun and good atmosphere. I hope to get my thoughts organized a bit in order to see the things a bit clearer in the end. But until I will be going, there are still some highlights to come: Ele from Madrid is coming to Ulm, I will be going to the Wiesn with friends and enjoy another weekend in Munich, maybe another in Stuttgart. So there are some great days about to come.

For now, I will just end with another picture. I just discovered this funny site on the internet and already had loads of fun. I am sure, there will be more pics available in the upcoming days.

me in the virtual photo booth

Forecast.

2010-09-13T23:40:00.005+02:00

After so many flashbacks, it seems like a breaking-the-rules now to consider this post as a forecast. But, it's not - like the flashbacks related to the past - telling what will happen in the future. This is the main thing, that should become clear. It's not possible to state, what is going to happen soon. You can suggest, you can suppose, you can try to lend... but in the end, it can turn out in a totally different way. Forecasts are based on feelings, on thoughts, on wishes, ... But you never know, how it will turn out in the end.

I am trying to think about all the different ways, how it could turn out. How my future will be. But how should I know, in which forms it will be shaped in the end? There are hundreds, thousands, millions of possibilities, how things could finally be. Nobody will ever be able to think of all possible ways. So... Why do I not just take action and try to find out, how it will be in the end? Not to think about it over and over, knowing that you never will see the future in your mind, as long as you are not in that situation.

But there is something, holding me back taking action. Maybe it's the fear of taking the wrong steps into a false direction. But how can you know without trying? It might be the challenge to put this thoughts into action. Again.

So I am pretty curious, how everything will turn out in the end. So you see, it's pretty much easier to do flashbacks than forecasts.

Flashback.

2010-08-02T21:27:00.006+02:00

To be honest: it's been a while since I've blogged the last time, so that it's kind of impossible to review the highlights. Quickly overthinking the last weeks, I am not that sure, if there have been that much hightlights. But I am sure, that there have been some. Just rarely summarizing the last weeks to kind of update you guys:

There was another visit from David. A week full of joy and pleasure and happyness. Also we met some friends in Munich and spent a great time, although I had to work through the week days. But I think, we did a good job.

The weather was brilliant for a long time, so I could enjoy being on the lake, taking sunbaths and refresh myself in the water. What a pleasure.

I finally got my hair cut.

I also spend some money for my upcoming career as a photographer, as I don't want to work in the field of a business manager.* So I bought a tripod and another lens. Although I spent more time with taking pictures within the last months, I still didn't take enough time to really work with my new stuff. But you can see some new pictures here and I will post some in this post.

Another competition took place. We were not that successful, but I think, it was okay. We made it to rank 3. Videos are about to come as soon as I have them available. Afterwards we participated within a parade in my hometown and got broadcasted on regional television for a second. If you are interested, click here.

During the last weeks, I got to know new people and I also got to know old friends in a closer way, which makes me really happy. Besides I enjoyed good moments with my friends. And I am missing others, that are travelling around the world or that are just not that close.

Last Friday was my last day at work, now I can fully concentrate on writing my thesis. It's not that this makes me happy like hell, but not being bound going into the office every morning is a big easement.

To give a little forecast about the upcoming time:

Writing my thesis will take a lot of my time. Furthermore I need to apply for a job. So... if anybody knows anything interesting in the sector of markting communications or PR, I am pleased for every hint. Besides professional duties, there is also private pleasure. This is why I am going to Munich the upcoming weekend and in just 2 weeks I will be going to Berlin again. Not only to see my friends from over there, but also to hug Daan, my friend from Belgium, David and Borja from Madrid. I am really looking forward. Can't wait. :-)

I think, this should be it for the moment.

*) just kidding... kind of.

10 points for TSV Weissenhorn.

2010-06-07T19:55:00.003+02:00

Last Saturday, my gymnastics group and I participated in our first competition of this year and we ended up quite successful with the rank 1. But honestly, we were just competing with one other group and we already knew before, that we would win - most probably. Although our first task, sprinting, wasn't that successful. Hitting the balls was a bit more successful, but the first time when we got evaluated with 10.0 points was after presenting our new medley of GREEN DAY. Although we had some uncertainties with the lyrics, the performance was quite good. But go for it and listen to it by yourself.

The last thing to do was the most exhausting one. I was really afraid not to be able to do it due to my break of more than 6 months without doing anything while I have been in Madrid. But in the end it turned out quite well, although... you will see some minor inequalities.

Well, this was our first competition of 2010 and there will be more to come. so we can be excited about what will come next. But as for now, this was it and here are the pics.

12 points for germany.

2010-05-30T02:57:00.004+02:00

I have never been much into all that Eurovision Song Contest thing. I watched it several times, because everybody did. And honestly spoken, there was already so much crap being sent from Germany... Just remember Guildo Horn or Stefan Raab.

But this year, it changed. There was this little, very down-to-earth girl called Lena with her "Satellite". I got kind of upset before the contest took finally place in Oslo, because the media was horrible and every little step she took in the past was now a big step and in the centre of interest. So I was kind of happy, that today should be the final day, when it all should take place in the end.

I met some friends to watch it together, having a nice dinner and stuff. And it was pure fun watching and listening to all the european countries. For the first time, kind of being related to the other countries of Europe, as there are more or less strong relationships now. Having spent half a year in Spain, where I have a bunch of super close friends now, knowing that the singer is a friend of David. Or the belgium guy with the guitar reminding me of nice moments with my belgium friend Daan. The nordic countries reminding me of the girls from Finland, I got to know in Madrid. The same with the guys from Portugal. Finally, also countries like Rumania or Slovenia brought back memories of my time working for BMW Group CEEU.

And after the voting, when Germany was on top of the list, I became more and more nervous, we were screaming for every points the others gave and in the end, we finally won the whole thing. Congratulations to LENA. It was totally funny seeing her, being so unsure but self-confident. It was great. I fell in love with her, when she said: "Ehm... I don't have any idea where I should go now... But... I don't care. I just keep on talking!".

Thanks LENA for that nice evening and for winning again after 28 years.

Flashback | Highlight No.5

2010-05-25T23:33:00.003+02:00

The highlights are going on. This weekend was actually full of highlights and the biggest highlight was there for the whole weekend, so you can imagine, how fast these days flew by.

It all began on Friday afternoon, when I picked up David at the airport in Memmingen. What a feeling to finally see him again. Woof. Immediately we went to Sandi's new flat to have a little barbecue with some friends, which turned out into a very great, relaxed and friendly evening with "all" my beloved ones. Thanks to the pictures, you can get an impression by yourself. Heading home in the night, we had a short rest in order to get prepared for the next highlight: the wedding of a friend of us from school on Saturday.

So we got up, prepared ourselves for the weeding and went to the little romantic church, where the ceremony took place. Due to the small church, it was very personal and intimate and there nice - as this is how a wedding in my eyes should be. The musical frame was mainly build up by a little unplugged band in the front, but when the solo singer started singing "up where we belong", it was so emotional and just amazing in there. After the church, we went to the party place, where we enjoyed the company of olf friends, the weather, the food and all that stuff. It was quite nice. Pictures can be seen here. And it was the starting of the next highlight: my 25th birthday on Sunday.

The bride made a little anouncement of it and all the guests sang a HAPPY BIRTHDAY-song for me over there, which was quite fun. So Sunday was "my" day. Besides some phone calls and SMS, I got soooo many comments on my facebook wall, it was just great to read congratulations from all of you guys. Thanks again therefore. In the evening hour there was the TWENTY5 Party in my house. It was so cool, to have most of my friends arounds, although some weren't able to come due to different reasons. Hope to see you guys soonish. The party was super fun - at least for me - and I got some really nice presents. Thanks again therefore as well! I will enjoy it. :D Some pics of it are available here.

So, as you can imagine, Monday was a bit more relaxing with another barbecue with the family, David and Guido. It was pure fun and the weather was just great. So we enjoyed it being there together, before Guido went home and David's airplane was about to take off.

Although it was so short, every second was worth having experienced it and I hope to see all of you and all of the others very soon!

Flashback | Highlight No.3 & 4

2010-05-08T22:47:00.002+02:00

It's been a while since I've posted something for the last time. A lot of things happend in between, but I will just review the last two highlights of the last weeks.

Hightlight No.3

This year's easter I spent in Berlin with David. It was good to be back in Berlin again. Being there, seeing old and new friends, going out to have dinner and/ or party, all combined with good company. :)

Please find the pics here.

Hightlight No.4

Last weekend I was in Madrid again. It was so great to be back again after two months. It was a quite busy schedule, but it was totally worth it, as you can see on the pictures. I arrived in Madrid a little bit later, as we weren't allowed to take off in Munich. But everything went well and I met David just in time on the airport. As the first big surprise, my friend Ele picked us up at the airport. As we arrived at David's flat, the next BIG surprise was waiting for me. It took me quite a while, until I got the idea of that surprise party with all my madrilenian friends, that was just organized for me. First, I was kind of positively shocked, but then it was just great to see everybody there feeling comfortable and having fun.

The next days I spent with a lot of food, enjoying the sun, being out, getting to know new people and all that fun stuff. It was just awesome to be back in Madrid for a little bit more than 60 hours. Can't wait, until I will be back again.

Thanks to everybody for having been there on the party and for enabling that big surprise for me. Special thanks to Pedro, Ele and David for all the overall organization and the idea. Muchisimas gracias!

MIKA - live in concert | Impressions.

2010-04-06T22:41:00.003+02:00

Now about to follow some impressions of the MIKA concert, dated on the 27th of march in 2010.

Have fun and enjoy.

Flashback | Highlight No.2

2010-03-31T20:02:00.005+02:00

The days passed by so fast, so that the second highlight is about to be described right now: David was visiting me in my hometown for a couple of days. Of course, it's not about a visit in my hometown, but about that special visit. We spent some nice hours there and in Ulm, but we also escaped to Munich. Originally just having planned to see MIKA live in concert on Saturday evening, it turned out to be a very nice short weekend trip.

Having arrived in Munich, we headed immediately over to the concert. After the last songs of the pre-band, we had to wait for an hour of MIKA, which turned out to be a bit boring. But in the end he entered the stage. There were some surprising things about the whole thing:

We were not the only adults there in between of a huge crowd of 14 year old girls.
MIKA was dressed less colourful than expected.
Most of the songs were already known.

And the rest you can see in the vids* and pictures.

On Sunday we were just having a nice breakfast and we kept on walking around in Munich, enjoying the weather and the nice atmosphere, before we drove home to have dinner with my family again.

David stayed one day longer that originally planned, which was pure fun. So we had some more time left for ourselves and he was in the end able to show how to make a real "swabian" Salmorejo to my parents. :-)

*Vids are about to come the next days.

A weekend in Munich.

2010-03-25T00:02:00.002+01:00

I was lucky to spend my last weekend in Munich. After my return to Germany, this was the first time I headed over to Munich to see some friends and have a good time. And in fact, my plans totally came true. Or let's say most of them came true.

I saw some important friends of mine after a while of not having seen them. So it was just fun, walking around with them and enjoying being together and discovering the city again, where I already spend 6 wonderful months!

One of the most incredible things was, that I met my ancient roomate from Stuttgart for coincidence in the streets. We just had a short conversation, as everybody was busy, but it felt good seeing him after 2,5 years again.

So... I did not take many pictures, but here you get some impressions of what I have done during this weekend.

And now, another highlight is about to begin tomorrow: David is coming to Germany to visit me and some other friends. I hardly can't wait to finally see him again. Ya le digo: BIENVENIDO EN WEISSENHORN¡¡¡

Little Martin coming back.

2010-03-15T12:07:00.003+01:00

Although I am still not feeling that much better here in my hometown area, I don’t feel like keep on complaining all the time. In fact, this doesn’t help anybody, so let’s stick to the few positive things, that occurred and will happen in the upcoming days and weeks.

My belgian friend Daan spend the last weekend in Madrid again and it was a weird feeling, not being with him and all my friends there to spend a good time together. But, as I didn’t want to complain again, this should not be the main content of this paragraph. Moreover, he made such a cute surprise, as he might have guessed in advance, that it will put into kind of a melancholic/ sad mood. So he brought something – or shall I say someone? – with him, that made me very happy. He brought a little doll with him, brown haired and blue eyed, called little Martin. Pictures, showing little Martin with my friends in all the different situations during the weekend, he made me feel kind of being part of the group, although I wasn’t there. It was such a great surprise and he made me laugh a lot. Thanks Daan for that gorgeous idea and all of the others, that helped to make me that happy.

And there are 3 things about to come, that make me also very happy and therefore more optimistic:

I will spend the next weekend entirely in Munich, visiting Guido and some other friends, I haven’t seen a long time. I am sure, it will be a blast being back in Munich, enjoying the atmosphere and seeing the guys again. I am really looking forward to it.
The weekend following the upcoming one will be a very special one for me as well. It’s not only, that I will be in Munich again to see MIKA live in concert. The main thing about these days is, that David from Madrid will be visiting me here! I hardly cannot wait, until I finally see him again.
And the last planned weekend so far will be the weekend on Easter, which I will spend in Berlin. Again with David and also hope to see many other friends. But I am sure, I can manage it meeting as much as possible.

So regarding these three facts, I am really happily facing the upcoming weeks, which will pass by very quickly due to other nice plans like cooking with friends, training, my dad’s birthday and so on.

As these plans will be over at the beginning of April, I am already trying to figure something out for April. So, if you guys have any (realistic) ideas, please let me know!

Little Martin back in Madrid.

Strange mood days.

2010-02-28T21:55:00.002+01:00

Although this headline was already used, it fits best to the current state I am seeing myself in:it's strange. In my thoughts I am still in Madrid with my friends over there, thinking about the good times we spent there over the last months.

Missing it a lot on the one hand, on the other hand I have to face my present, which will take place here for the next upcoming six months. But it is quite hard seeing that little town with its "weird" inhabitants. Trying to escape to Ulm, which is supposed to be the next bigger city, doesn't help me out that much neither.

But I was very happy and thankful to have my best friends around me in my first days being back home. On the on hand Guido from Munich joined me, on the other hand Sandi and the girls were out with us as well and some other close friends could be met as well. So... this was, how I could spend some hours without thinking of Madrid and obviously being sadish... Here are some pictures of the nice sunny days I had thanks to Guido and the others. Thx therefore.

Flashback | weeks 6-8.

2010-02-25T22:57:00.007+01:00

As these weeks have been very busy, I wasn't able to post something on here. So now I will review all the bigger happenings of the last 3 weeks of Madrid.

Week 6.

Planned on a long range, my parents finally came and visited me in Madrid to get an insight of my little spanish world. Besides the obligatory tourism programme, we ate a lot. I think it was even more than that. But it was delicious and just awesome. Moreover this was the weekend of carneval. The ones of you that know me know, that I am absolutely not into carneval, to be polite. I hate it. But the carneval over there was something different. The costumes were great, the parade colourful with great vehicles and stuff. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me these days, so I wasn't able to take some pictures of the parade. So I just can offer these ones.

I think, although everything was quite new and from time to time surprising for my parents, they liked it a lot. But still I am not sure, if they liked the fact of being in Madrid or the fact of finally being together with the whole family. This did not happen for a long time. And although it was kind of exhausting from time to time, I really enjoyed their company as well.

Week 7.

My parents left and Daan came a second time to Madrid, to visit me, some friends and - of course - Madrid. It was quite fun to see him again in Madrid, where we got to know each other some months before. As he already knew the tourism programme, we could therefore focus on other stuff and we went out for party, having dinner and went to the ArCo ("Arte Contemporaneo en España) - a big art trade fair taking place in Madrid. Although I am not that much into contemporary art and stuff, it was worth to be seen and we spend a nice afternoon there with David and Iñigo.

On Thursday David organized a nice Dinner with some of his friends. But it was not only a nice and delicious dinner, it was the "fiesta de chi-chi". The best party ever. :-) At first we had some delicious self-made spanish food and lateron we went out for party. It was quite fun and nice to get to know some more lovely spanish people. The end of the night ended up in the first tears about the upcoming end of my Madrid time. But somehow I could fix it again.

On Friday I got convinced to go to the movies. I saw Colin Firth and Juliane Moore in "A single man". The movie was quite good and to my surprising Jon Kortajarena also had a small role in this movie. Maybe it was better for his career that it was just a small one, but it was just pure pleasure to see him on the big screen. In the end, the movie turned out as quite sad and therefore it might not have been the best choice for my mood. But I went through it.

Trailer "A single man"

Saturday was the day when Daan left me again and my last 5 days on my own in Madrid started. All the pictures of the time with Daan can be seen on here.

Week 8.

These days were full of joy and pleasure with my closest friends. We went out for Party again, had great food, nice drinks with friends to say goodbye, etc. ... It was full of enjoying the time that still is left with my beloved friends. As the time was just great, it was a wonderful "end" of a great period. Unfortunately, it didn't make it easier to leave Madrid. To understand what I am saying, here you find some pictures to get a better understanding of it.

So today was the day, of which I was afraid the last weeks: my departure of Madrid back into my old live. Living with my parents again in that small and boring city in the neighborhood of Ulm. Still I don't know, what to feel. I think, I will need some time to structure my thoughts, to realize that my time in Madrid is over for the moment and that this wonderful time never will come back.

But right now, I am not able to be more clear about that topic. So I think, it will be best to stop here, put on some music and start unpacking. You'll get another mood-report when I am able to do it.

Maybe a pictures says more than a 1.000 words.

Las señoras.

2010-02-09T23:01:00.004+01:00

I heard a lot about the legendary señoras of Madrid. I read a lot about them and just some days ago I saw a short clip about the señoras showing what kind of señoras these señoras are.

But finally, I was so lucky to see them - live and by my own. It was like the invasion of the señora. One was older than the other, wore more jewels and more make-up than the other, smoked more cigarettes that the other and therefore had a rougher voice than the other, drank more alcohol than the other, had a more expensive furry coat, ... tbc.

It was just great to see these old ladies getting drunk, enjoying life without their (mostly dead?) husbands and waiting on the bar (having a seat at the bar chair in a very sexy position - just imagine a 80 year old lady with skirt and high heels on a bar chair) for the next best table to catch it. I am sure, they might even catfight for a good table and a good Gin Tonic.

It was great, to finally see the señoras and to know, that they really exist. You don't believe me? Have a look at the secretly taken photo (thanks to Carlos!!) or check out the tea salon on your own. It's worth it, definitely.

Wonderful views of Stuttgart.

2010-02-09T03:45:00.003+01:00

It's always nice to see pictures and videos of places you have been before. Immediately some special memories come to your mind while watchings these various locations. Even better, in case these images are taken in an artistic and beautiful way just like the video of Stuttgart, that I am going to post here.

I would like to do the same with Madrid, but I am afraid, I cannot do it due to several reasons. The two biggest reasons might be, that (1) I do not know how to do it and (2) I am too lazy.

So I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, even though you might have lived/ might not be living in Stuttgart.

Days fly by.

2010-02-06T18:13:00.003+01:00

Although there is nothing fixed on my agenda, the days fly by very fast. Having coffee here, going for a dring and ending up in a club, staying in bed there, and woooof... Suddenly another week passed. But luckily the days were super nice.

The weather is like springtime in Germany, so it is awesome sitting outside while having a coke or something. Yesterday I took this nice foto of the Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria. In front of the cloudy sky, I really liked that view.

Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria | Plaza Santa Ana.

Later on, I went to another ~~farewell~~ see-you-soon-party. This time it was Deborah's and I was quite surprised, as there were quite a few Erasmus students left. But they are mostly here for one year, so it seems as I am one of the last half-year Erasmus. But I keep on enjoying my last days here.

Deborah and me | La Sultana.

Next weekend my parents including my brother will come visiting me and I am quite excited, how they will like Madrid. I will give my best to show them around and present them "my little world" of the last six months.

Moreover I found a videoclip on youtube, which was recorded here in the pedestrian precinct of Madrid. What a shame, that I wasn't there, although I already was in Madrid these days, hehe. Have a look. And just to let you guys know: seems as if it was a competition for ideas how to promote the fight against AIDS.

Future thoughts.

2010-02-03T05:04:00.003+01:00

Knowing that a great chapter of life is about to end up is strange. On the one hand it seems to be okay, as this is the regular way of life: some things end up, others start. But as you never know, how the new ones will turn out in the end, it is always a little adventure.

Actually I consider myself as quite optimistic, but this time it is weird. Up to now, everytime a good chapter was followed by something new. Something adventurous. Something exciting. Something bigger. But what comes now? It is the old, well-known surrounding. Being forced to live in old "restrictions" with new, unpleasant circumstances, as the mayority of friends will no longer be available in the area next to mine. Considering this in combination with the new task of working and finally writing the thesis, makes me kind of... I do not want to say afraid, but thoughtful.

Seeing myself sitting in the library, searching for helpful content in various science books, while beeing disturbed every 2 seconds by students walking by or the bird flying by outside the window. In my mind there is a picture, crytal clear, how it might look like. But honestly, I hope it will somehow be different, meaning better...

So... I will stop now being that thoughtful and just post this great song, I got to know thanks to Patrick. Thx therefore.

Chungking - Following

Flashback | week 4.

2010-01-31T16:59:00.003+01:00

As I already wrote lately, the semester is over, so it's time for party, friends, but unfortunately also time for farewells and stuff. This really sucks, but it's part of life and we can be sure, to see each other sometime and somewhere again. This makes it kind of easier, even though it is everytime a tough task to do. But it's worth it.

So the last week was full of friend's visits, party, getting to know new and gorgeous people and farewells. To become a little bit clearer: first I had Jules and Anita around, two girls from my gymnastic's sports group. It was very funny to have them around and to see them outside of a sport hall. Here you can see, what a great time we spent together.

Jules, Anita and I.

These days Babsi left Madrid as well for Austria before heading over to Brazil. So we had a great breakfast with Cola-Cao and a delicous Napolitana con crema. Besides the wonderful breakfast, it felt good to say goodbye in person knowing that we will see each other very soon. The other austrian girls unfortunately left Madrid as well without a possibility to see each other beforehands. But... Austria is not that far away, is it? So... see you soon!

Me and Babsi.

The next visitor on my "agenda" was Sebi from Munich. We also spend a couple of nice days and I got to know some of his friends who turned out to be very funny and nice. It's always great to get to know new people. Talking about that, I also have to mention another friend of mine: David. Thanks to him, I was able to be at a spanish movie production, which was interesting and very cool to see. Thanks therefore as well!! Pics of these days can be seen here.

Me, Sebi and Sissy.

And finally, another farewell took place. The italian girls Enrica and Marisa left Madrid as well this weekend. The party was very funny and it was kind of sad in two ways: not only that we had to say goodbye, but also recognizing that we didn't spend that much time together here in Madrid, was a sad experience. But staying in touch and fixing a meeting in the future also helps here. :-)

Enrica, me and Marisa.

What else can be told? Don't know. Maybe that I do not want to leave Madrid?

End of this Semester.

2010-01-23T19:43:00.004+01:00

Just in the moment, when I was handing in my last exam of this semester on Thursday I suddenly recognized, that it was not only the last exam of this semester but the last one forever. Just imagine... Woof!

As you surely can imagine as well, this was enough reason to have a party. But unfortunately it was not the only reason to see all the erasmus and my other spanish friends: it was also Wiebke's farewell from Madrid, as she left Madrid yesterday morning. But nevertheless - as the pictures might show - we all enjoyed a nice evening and it was pure fun.

Iñigo, Wiebke and I.

Yesterday, another friend from Munich was around and we spent a nice day walking around, EATING and having party until the early morning hours.

Unfortunately this was the reason, why I totally overslept this morning... Actually I wanted to be at the airport at 11.30 am to pick up two friends again. But when they called me at 12 am, I was still in bed, sleeping. Abandonning this, we spend another nice day walking thorugh Madrid. As well I had my first dinner in a Hard Rock Café. What a delicious ~~well-done~~ medium burger.

Jules and Anita in front of Palacio Real.

Now, I have to get prepared for the tonight's party. I have to sleep.

Two weeks without constant access to the WWW.

2010-01-19T21:11:00.005+01:00

As you can already read in the headline, I was without constant connection to the internet for the last two weeks. Everyone that knows me and I think, even the ones that don't, can more or less guess, how hard this time was. Take a minute to think about it.

[Minute]

Got it? Now double it. And then square it. Then you might have a slight idea of how it felt for me every single minute. As an additional information: it was exam's time. This even doubled it again. But okay. I made up some new insights and I even got evidence on old ones.

It seems to be hard to pick up dog's shit from the street, when it's to thin.
Life without internet sucks.
Stupid learning is stupid.
"How I met you mother" is great and saves lifes.
Not having enough time to enjoy life is aweful.
Dreaming of cats who immediately jump on your throat can cause you the night.
Did I mention, that life without internet is totally crap?
Music is great. ¡Viva el Pop!
Facing the last time of an ending chapter doesn't feel good - assumed, it was a good chapter.
People can be weird. And strange.
Five cm of Snow is a serious problem in Spain.
It can be fun, when girls scream from the top of a building, that they like your style while you are passing by.

I think, these were not the only insights I got throughout the last two weeks. But... I want to keep it short for the moment.

Flashback | 2009.

2009-12-31T00:10:00.016+01:00

As the year is almost over, it's time for me to review the last months and to point out some highlights, that occured throughout the year.

January

After months of dreaming, I finally bought a SLR and started to take photos with it. Now, almost a year later, I am still a bloody amateur, but trying my best and I guess,some nice shots turned out in the meantime.
The application for my ERASMUS in Madrid was handed in to the International Office of my university.

February

As I had to start my second internship on 1st of March and still hadn't had a position at that point of time, I got quite nervous. But then the companies came up and I had some interviews at Lufthansa, BBDO, Daimler, BMW, ... And after the approval of BMW I was the luckiest guy on earth, as I saw myself living in Munich for 6 months with my university girls and some more good friends around and the summertime in Munich.
The family of my best friend's sister got bigger with the birth of Samuel at the beginning of February. This cute little "something" now is almost a year old and it's so great to see the development that takes place just withing one year, although I wasn't able to be there a lot of times physically.

Samuel

Due to the beginning of the internship in Munich, I had to move out of the flat I lived for these 6 months in Neu-Ulm. Although Neu-Ulm surely is not the best place to be, I really enjoyed living there in that little shared flat in the city centre.

"Neue Mitte" in Ulm.

March

My internship and therefore my new life in Munich began. Being part a totally new shared flat, I had to experience how life is in 2009 without having connection to the WWW. Let me tell you one thing: it's horrible and impossible. But therefore I got to know all the shops and I lost a lot of money with spending time in the city. :-)
Furthermore a really close friendship started from that point of time on.

Guido and me

April

Seems as if nothing important happend in April. Besides one thing, that changed a lot: I go accepted for the ERASMUS in Madrid and I started being curious about how life will be in Spain's capital. At that moment of time, I didn't expect it to turn out that great as it finally turned out. Looking back, I can say, that the decision to spend my ERASMUS in Madrid, was one of the best decisions I made so far. Of course, I do not have any comparisons, but as I am totally happy here, I think, there is no comparison needed. Just being happy and enjoying the possibility to spend some great moments here. But coming back to the calender.

May

For 2 days I got visited by a friend. Saying that, this would not be anything special. But mentioning that this friend usually lives in Florida, USA and was "just" a myspace-facebook-friend up to that point of time, that makes it kind of special - at least for me. I was pretty happy to welcome him after 2 years of chatting and "spyke-ing" and to show him around in Munich. As a nice memory, I am often wearing his shirt, he gave to me as a present after I fell in love with it immediately when I saw him wearing it.

John with THAT shirt in the boat on the lake in the English Garden in Munich

At work there was the big Marketing Conference with all the Marketing Managers from CEEU. It was quite cool to see them finally in person, after having swapped so many Emails and just having talked on the telephone. They turned out to be very nice and young guys and it was fun to spend the two days with them, even that it was business.
I think, I do not need to mention, that at this time the Biergarten-season already was opened and that I spent some nice hours with nice people sitting in the various Biergartens of Munich enjoying the sun, the atmosphere and the food/drinks.

June

My second trip to Berlin took place. Although we had difficulties at first, everything turned out fine at the end. It was great to spend some days in Berlin, seeing some old and close as well as new friends and enjoying some good moments with all of them.

Marco - a good friend and my host in Berlin

July

Just like the years before, also in 2009 I was able to be part of the Schwörmontag. It's kind of difficult to explain this day to people, that haven't been part of it up to now. Try to imagine a mixture of carneval, bank holiday, summer outdoor party and the streets full of people having fun and enjoying the atmosphere. I think, this might be it. It was too cool to finally see all my student friends, my "regular" friends and - in particular - Ele, who turned out to be my personal assisstant for all concerns concerning Madrid.
Besides that great moments, there was another moment, which wasn't that great. In contrast, it was very sad. After having lived the last years with me and my family, my grandmother died on the 31st of July at the age of 89 years. Although she was old and kind of sick the last days of here life, it was really hard, as my parents told me on the phone about her death, as I was in Munich at that time. I can remember crystal clearly, how I was walking around in Munich, full of thoughts and at the same time totally empty, not knowing what to think. Thanks again to Sebastian, who was just there for me at that very special moment.

August

As my grandmother died in July, the funeral took place just a few days later and turned out as very hard again, but "beautiful" as well. There were so many people on the funeral saying goodbye to my grandmother, which made me "happy" at that moment. Seeing the goodwill of all that people also helped me to say "Tschüss Oma.".

Saying "Goodbye" to my Grandma.

As August was my last month in Munich, it was also time to say "Goodbye" to so many people, new friends and things. The last day at work, saying Bye to all the guys that helped my spending an amazing time in Munich, especially to Guido, to Munich itself as a beautiful city, to my flat which I kind of liked, and so on and so forth. Luckily, it wasn't that hard, as I knew that a new chapter will follow very soon: being ERASMUS in Madrid.
Looking back on the 6 months in Munich, this was a great time for me. The work, although there were some negative days as well, was quite cool and helped me a lot. I was able to learn a lot and get great insights into the world of BMW. I got to know europeanwide people and - not to forget mentioning it - I was able to drive great cars throughout the months. Besides work, I had a great private life in Munich. I got to know a bunch of great guys with whom I had several great moments I do not want to miss while enjoying several bars or cafes, the nature in Munich, concerts or other things. Good to know, that my hometown is just a 2 hours car drive from Munich and that there are people welcoming me whenever I want to go there.

Marienplatz in Munich

September

4th of September: this was the day, when the journey into my "new" life began. I don't want to repeat every single point, although I would like too. But as I started the mention everything I did on the blog with presenting loads of pictures, I think, there is no need to review every single step. Just some highlights of the big MADRID-highlight.
At the beginning it was all about getting yourself organized in the new environment: finding a flat, finding contacts in the university and in private life, getting to know the city and all that stuff. Luckily I already had Ele, my personal assisstant and Klaudia, my tutor, that were big helps at that time.
I also went for the first journeys to Toledo and Segovia, that both were worth to be seen.

In Segovia with Wiebke and Ana.

October

My first visitor was aroung: Reto, who stayed a couple of days and enjoyed being in Madrid. Thanks again for the music and the lovely book.
My third trip to Barcelona took place. This was a great possibility to visit the city, a good friend of mine, seeing a student of my hometown university again and getting to know new people again.

View over Barcelona from Park Güell

My fourth trip to Granada took place, which was also just awesome. The first trip with all the ERASMUS guys to the beautiful city of Granada, where we all spent a great time.

Having a good time in Granada.

Sasa visited me for a weekend and it was fine to finally see a "face from Munich". Moreover he brought some delicious food with him. Yummy.

November

Tatjana, an ancient colleague from BMW spent some days in Madrid and we also met for a couple of hours to have a coffee.
Another short trip (the 5th one) to El Escorial took place. Being there with Ele, Wiebke and to friends of Ele was very nice. Thanks again for taking us with you, Ele. ;-)

The gang in El Escorial.

Another visitor arrived in Madrid: Daan, who I just got to know here on site. But we connected pretty fast and very well, so it was as if we knew each other for years before. Thanks again for the delicious belgium chocolate.

Daan and me being stupid.

Furthermore I had a great spanish-german dinner with Klaudia and her selfmade spanish Tortilla.
The next "candidate" on the visitor's list was Sebastian. I was really happy to finally see him, after several weeks of just chatting and stuff. Moreover he brought a big bag with lots of christmas sweeties with him, which was just amazing. Thanks again therefore and of course for the nice hours we spent together as well.

Sebastian and his new madrilenian friend

December

Dany and Anja, my best friends from university, were visiting me on the first weekend of December. It was a very short lasting time, but it was fun seeing them again and offering them a good time in Madrid.

Dany, me and Anja in front of the lake in Retiro

My 6th trip lead me to Salamanca with Juan. Salamanca turned out to be very nice, small and cold. In every case, it was worth travelling there.

Me and Juan facing the cold of Salamanca.

I do not want to call it another trip, but in the end it was a trip... My trip back home for Christmas. It was very nice to see my family and some of my friends during the few days I spent in good old Germany.

XMAS at home.

So now, being almost at the end of 2009, I reviewed the last months, just pointing out some concise points. It felt good thinking again about all these things, knowing that I'll keep that stuff always in my mind.

So much for the moment, but I do not want to end up before wishing you guys a good start into a wonderful new year 2010.

Christmas cards.

2009-12-26T00:46:00.003+01:00

As I wasn't that satisfied with my christmas card of this year, I already found some other nice ones on the internet. Maybe I should let my hair grow a bit, so that I am able to do something like that next year?

We will see, what will come out on Xmas 2010.

Arrival in Munich. | Holy night.

2009-12-25T01:04:00.007+01:00

After being one of the thousands of people queueing on the counters on MAD-Barajas Airport on Wednesday morning at 5.40h, I finally got my boarding pass and was lucky to catch all my flights as it was planned. Dropping down for a short break in BCN, I headed over to Munich to finally spend some moments with Guido walking through Munich and reviewing the last months, in which we couldn't see each other. It was so great to see him, being back in Munich and enjoying the city and its flair. On our walk we - for sure - passed the Apple Shop and found that beautiful Apple XMAS-tree.

Apple XMAS-Tree in the Apple Shop in Munich.

Today, on the 24th I then went to my parents place and I was also very happy to see them after my 3,5 months in Madrid again. Entering the house, it was just like as if I never was away. My mother decorated the house like crazy, but I wasn't surprised, as I was expecting this referring to the last years' experience. The day passed by very quickly with kind of arriving at home, having relatives around and finally the holy night. It was a very quiet and as the song is called - silent night. Except the moment, when our parents forced us to sing with them in front of the christmas tree. This was something new. At first quite embarrassing, but it was fun when we ended after 2 songs.

The thing, that kind of hold me down, was the fact, that this was the first holy night without my grandmother for years, as she died in July this year. She never was a actively person, better said, she was so contained and calm all the time, but nevertheless she was there. This time, she wasn't. Physically...

Later that evening, my mother felt kind of sick and after a short shocking circulation problem, she went to bed and I spend a men's evening with my brother and father. Now, I am where I am. As mi best friend also is sick, I decided not to visit her, as I don't feel like getting sick as well. Hopefully she will get better soon, as I really need to see her.

For all the ones, I couldn't reach via facebook, SMS, telephone or mail: at least MERRY CHRISTMAS also for you guys.

Temperature check.

2009-12-19T13:08:00.002+01:00

I just quickly checked the weather forecast on my dashboard and being faced with -12°C I was kind of shocked at first. But luckily, when I will arrive in Germany next week, there will be a few degrees over 0°C. But nevertheless, the weather will be much colder there. But on the other hand I have warmer clothes, a good heating and if nothing helps, there is still my "best friend" the heater blower. It feels good to know him around. ;)

Weather forecast of my dashboard for Madrid and Ulm.

Strange mood days.

2009-12-18T19:12:00.006+01:00

The last days were kind of strange. I don't know if it is the days or me. I am kind of in a strange mood.

Totally fed up with the university. I think, this is reason number one, why I am kind of in a strange mood lately. It's not that we have too much things to do, but it's the whole thing how it happens and stuff. And the biggest joke was this: the students know discovered, that the exams are already starting at the beginning of January and that they will not have enough time to study. Just to provide some background information: the schedule for the exam period was already given before I arrived in Madrid. So, as they think, they don't have enough time, the asked the university to postpone the whole perios for at least one week. This is just unbelievable and I deeply hope, that this is not going to be happen, as I already have other plans. But, facing the worst case, I would not have as big problems as other Erasmus students, that already booked their flights home or somewhere else.

Also in connection with this whole university-exams-stuff, it becomes very obvious, that the end is in sight right now. After the exams, there will not happen much. Most of the Erasmus students will leave Madrid immediately and also for me the times will be over soon. As I will start working for my thesis on the 1st of March, I will come back to Germany at the end of February. But before I want to travel again and I will be welcoming friends. Another very important tast will be saying "Hasta luego" to all the spanish friends I made here in the last months.

Maybe also the whole christmas atmosphere kind of lowers my euphoria. Everything is quite and silent and kind of melancholic. So this makes you thinking about so many things and in these times, my thoughts are also very melancholic.

So I am really happy to come back to Germany for Christmas, even if it is just for a few days. But at least I will see my family, some of my friends and another good thing: I will enjoy my mother's great food after a long time of fried spanish food, fast food or pasta and other bullshit I have eaten. :-)

Carrousel on the christmas market on Plaza Mayor.

And to give you a short overview over the last days, which were pretty quiet, I just can tell:

I met some new interesting people and got to know to worship the ones I already got to know. Cheers to everybody of you guys. :-)
I was trying to get some stuff done for university with more or less success. At least I wrote the spanish exam, which turned out as okay, I guess. On Tuesday I have to go for the final oral exam. But this won't be a big problem.
On Tuesday I went for Dinner to "La mucca", which was recommend by an austrian friend of mine. It was just great there I will recommend to everybody, just to go there and having a good time. They are offering a great menu card with different types of food, but everything is kind of special and very delicious. Once you are hungry and wanna have Dinner in good atmosphere - go there and you will be happy.
I went to the city to get some christmas presents which are kind of typical for Madrid. I was kind of shocked about the prices of these typical spanish Jamón-stuff. If you want to, you can spend a lot of money just for such a thing. I saw some beginning from 100,00 € up to 550,00 €. Sorry guys, but I could not afford that to bring it to you.
Yesterday there was the Night of fire, a kind of a firework-christmas-event on Plaza de Oriente in front of Palacio Real. It was quite cool to be there, seeing the event, which was organized by various artist, architects and fashion and graphic designers. On the following pictures you will see the mixture between "fashion", fireworks and just imagine great atmospheric music in the background, that fitted perfectly to the firework and the atmosphere they wanted to create.

Impresssions of the Night on Fire.

Weekend Flashback | Salamanca.

2009-12-15T00:08:00.004+01:00

Last weekend I went on another trip within Spain: together with Juan I went to Salamanca, which was often described as a beautiful little city full of students. And as it is just 2,5 hours by bus from Madrid, this was a good chance, to escape once again from the stress in university. :-)

As we arrived by autobus in Salamanca on Friday, it was already dark and very cold. We just quickly searched our room for the upcoming to nights and went for dinner. Well, finally we ended up in McDonalds. Back in the pension, we unfortunately had to find out that the heating wasn't that effective, so it kept on being cold.

On Saturday we experienced the city and it really turned out as very small, but beautiful. And tremendously cold. I was so freezing all the time, so that I bought gloves and a cap in order to not die because of the cold. I was - more or less - successful in the end. As christmas is coming, the put everywhere some (ugly colourful) lights, as you can see on some of the pictures. But one thing was very cool: On the Plaza Mayor they played some christmas music, so that everybody around the Plaza could here it. This was kind of cool as it created a good atmosphere.

On Sunday we decided to leave Salamanca earlier than expected, as it was so cold again and we didn't have a place to store our suitcases. So we headed back to Madrid: freezing, but happy.

One more thing: the food we ate in Salamanca - besides McDonalds - was just great. Right on the Plaza Mayor there is the Meson Cervantes, which is a mixture between Tapas-Drinks-Bar and Restaurant. Close to the Plaza there was a great Pizzeria called A`Tarantella. They were offering not just the ordinary italien food but some special creations, which seemed to be very delicious. So if you ever go to Salamanca, you should definitely check out that places and enjoy the food over there.

Me and Juan in Salamanca.

For more pictures please click here.

MAC-frustration.

2009-12-10T12:35:00.005+01:00

After 1,5 years of total happiness with my MAC, I am kind of pissed now. Seems as if something is wrong with the graphic card. I don't have f*cking glue what is going on and I hope, it doesn't get worse, as I still can use it more or less "properly". Being located in Spain and just coming home for the christmas days, there is no chance for me to get it repaired or something, as it is totally neccessary for me to have my Macbook with me here in Spain.

So please cross your fingers, that it keeps running at least in this status as it works right now and won't get worse. :-/

Source: http://www.mattdahl.com/frustration.jpg

Week 49 | Flashback.

2009-12-06T21:29:00.004+01:00

The last week was very busy, as we had to prepare a presentation about the Spanish labor market for the university. Unfortunately I didn't understand the spanish sources that much, but in the end it turned out quite well.

On Friday again it was time to receive another visit from Germany. So I catched Dany and Anja on the airport. After having checked-in in the hotel, we startet the guided tour through Madrid, because the weather was just beautiful. Hours later, after having seen most of the hotspots, we seperated our ways back home. As the girls were to tired to leave hotel again, I went out for Dinner to a vegetarian microbiological restaurant. I was not that delicious as it was when I ate there for the first time, but at least I can be sure, I have eaten something healthy. Afterwards I saw Slumdog Millionaire. I really liked the movie, as I like the way how it was made. But on the other hand, it is also kind of shocking if you think, that there are some kids on earth living such a life. but... well. Everybody knows...

Saturday was pretty lazy for me, as I just showed the girls, where they can go shopping. Honestly I was quite happy, that I didn't have to join them, as it was so crowded in the streets. It's crazy. But nevertheless, I've also bought some clothes. :-) For Dinner we went out to an All-you-can-eat-salad-buffet to compensate the Spanish food and the McFlurry from the day before. Afterwards we spend some nice hours in a bar in Malasaña with drinking great Teas and Chocolate and stuff.

Sunday was again very chilled, just having another Café in the city and saying goodbye to the girls. Again it was very cool to see some "homeland" here in Madrid. For pictures, just click here.

And although tomorrow is free, I won't go out I guess. Kind of not in the right mood for partying all night long. I think, I will prefer watching some nice series of "How I met your mother" and that's it for tonight. Maybe I can then start learning tomorrow. We will see. ;)

Great memories.

2009-12-06T18:25:00.003+01:00

Today I was looking through some archives on my MAC and found that MP3-file, that was recorded in 2007 on a competition. So I decided to spend some more time on that and I searched some nice pictures of competitions from the past. Doing that, I found so many pictures, that I was quite challenging to point out the best ones, but I think I found a good mixture.

Up to now, there were just the videos from the competition itself, but here you will get a closer insight on what happens behind the scenes. Looking forward to join you guys again in a few months.

I hope you have as much fun as I had while preparing the little clip.

TSV Weissenhorn having fun.

Flashback | week 47.

2009-11-23T16:51:00.006+01:00

On Wednesday I had a great german-spanish dinner with my friend Klaudia. We cooked a typical spanish Tortilla with german meatballs. It did not just look great, you should have tasted. It was great.

Spanish Tortilla and german meatballs.

On Thursday Sebastian arrived to visit me for the weekend. So, as you surely can imagine, the weekend was another nice mixture between tourist program, party, eating and remembering my great months in Munich. One more time we were passing by Sol, Real Palace, Gardens of Sabatini and all that stuff. You'll be able to follow our route while looking on the pictures, we've taken.

On Friday we were out in a Club. It was not totally my kind of preference, but we had fun though. At least we were not at home before 6.15 a.m. on Saturday morning. Unfortunately I had a bad meeting with a dumbass in the streets at that early morning hours... when I was at home, I just recognized that my wallet was gone. So that guy stole my wallet, but luckily I didn't take my usual one with me. So I am "just" missing some money and my driver's licence. As you can guess, the Saturday was quite lazy and we just went for some shopping. We we were hungry at about 6.30 p.m. we decided to look after a place where we could find something to eat. But it was shown one more time, that we were in Spain and that the rhythm is totally different. So we kept on walking around but we weren't able to find a place, because everything was closed. Finally we ended up in a Pizzeria, which was not the best choice (Sorry Sebastian! ;)).

The weather on Sunday was great again - as long as the sun was shining. It was comfortably warm, so we spent the whole day outside. Starting at the famous fleemarket "El Rastro", we headed over to the Retiro to have another walk and enjoy the sun on the grass. In the evening hour we had some drinks in Chueca. So the Sunday was quite fun as well it was - again - very hard to start into the week, as Monday is my hardest day in university.

But it's already over and I will plan my Trip to Salamanca this evening. :-)

Me and Sebastian in the bar Tupperware | Malasaña.

Flashback of the last days.

2009-11-15T18:53:00.005+01:00

Another week passed by very fast. Honestly I can't remember, what I exactly did. On Wednesday for sure, I was at the cinema. All my friends know, that I am not that much into movies and stuff, so it's worth mentioning that. But I should not only mention that I went to the movies, but also which movie I watched. Curious after watching the trailer, Iñigo and I went to the obviously last movie with Heath Ledger: The Imaginarium of Doctor Panassus.

The movie is full of crazy phantasy presenting a story about truth, lies, love, friendship, and so on and so forth. Furthermore, the movie is packed with well-know actors like Johnny Depp, Collin Farrel and Jude Law. I really recommend going to the movies and watch that movie, it's worth it.

On Friday I gave a guided tour to a belgian guy, that is visiting Madrid for the weekend. Again, it was quite fun. In the evening, we had the first Botellòn of the Erasmus students here in Madrid and it was just awesome. The weather was quite okay so we spent the whole evening outside near Plaza de España with loads of students. It was great, how many people were there just having drinks and spending a great time together. Moreover I finally met my tutor after a long time we haven't seen each other. So it was quite fun.

On Saturday evening I wanted to go out for Dinner with Daan, the belgian guy. But it turned out as really difficult. We started our tour at about 22 p.m., which seemed to be the typical dinner-time for the spanish. So we had to walk around for hours and see crowded restaurants, where it wasn't possible to get an empty table. So finally we ended up in an asian restaurant, having our dinner at MIdNIGHT after a waiting period of 20 Minutes, after having signed up on the guest list. I was starving, but in the end we succeeded.

Today I have been to the Rastro, one more time. It was just unbelievable, how many people go there on a Sunday morning just to watch a bunch of "crap". But - I was there as well - and I enjoyed the atmosphere. It's quite worth it going there.

Apart from that, they aleady began installing the christmas decoration in the streets. On the Puerta del Sol they build up a gigantic christmas tree and I am really curious about when the are going to light it up for the first time. Acutally I am not prepared for christmas at all because you still can sit outside on the afternoon to join your coffee or whatever you prefer, but okay...

Christmas tree of 2008 at Puerta del Sol. (different style to the current one)

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cruccone/3418727454/

Oh, saying coffee, one more thing came to my mind. This afternoon I have been to the Chocolateria San Gines, which is a really famous one here in Madrid. In almost every tour guide it is mentioned. So we went there and enjoyed our first typical churros con chocolate, but honestly said... I've tried better things up to now. But it was worth a try.

El Escorial.

2009-11-09T14:32:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I spend a great day with some friends in El Escorial. This is a small village at about 50km from Madrid with a great "Monasterio".

The monument is quite impressing. It's a beautiful building from the 16th century. Besides the garden around, from where you have an amazing view of Madrid, the inside of the monastery is great. The tour guides you through various rooms of the ancient guys who lived there, through some weird rooms in the basement with loads of deceased. The most impressing thing is the room with all the corps of the ancient kings and queens of Spain starting from king Philipp II. who died in 1598. The only thing I was wondering: right now there are three empty caskets left, but they are already waiting for their corps, which right now are fouling in a room next to this. So, what will happen to the apparent king of Spain?

Furthermore the Basilica was very beautiful. Most of it was quite minimal, but the altar was very colourful with amazing painting and from time to time you could also see painting on the ceiling. The most beautiful room was the library. It was just amazing to see these old books in the shelves and wonderful paintings on the ceiling again. Unfortunately it was forbidden to take pictures, so I cannot provide any of the inside of this monastery. But here you can go for the outside. As you will see, although the sun was shining, it was really windy and damn f*cking cold. We almost forgot the feeling of being cold. But yesterday, we rediscovered it.

Ele, Wiebke, Erik, Teresa and me | El Escorial.

Things you should (not) know about Madrid.

2009-11-09T06:21:00.003+01:00

After I spent quite some time here in Madrid, I am able to present some insights, I no longer want to hide from you. I don't mind, if you want to know it or not, but it's the truth... So...there we go:

Nearly every hour of the day and night, you can find cleaning staff on the streets. Nevertheless the streets are never very clean though.
In every street in the city center there are chinese people selling beer, sandwiches and other stuff during the whole night. Athough it's forbidden, the put their things on a very "professional" sales counter which is made out of cardboard boxes. I advice you, to never buy sandwiches from them, because they might have been thrown into the garbage can before (e.g. when the police occured).
Even in Madrid it can be really cold. Unfortunately you cannot find the sea around the city. :-)
If you ask someone in the streets how to get somewhere, suddenly you can have a conversation about everything and nothing. It's quite fun!
The walls in the flats are quite thin and you can hear various things from your roomates.
As there are so many clubs, restaurants and bars around, it's hard to find an adequate one. It's very common to spend hours walking through the streets without finding anything that you could like. But, of course, from time to time you are successful and...
...you are also able to make Party until the break of the day. The bars close their doors at 3 am but the clubs keep playing their music until 6 am.
From time to time, there's a bad smell in the air. Unfortunately almost in every corner of the city center. This is because the guys (not only men!!!) piss anywhere when they feel like pissing (e.g. trees, houses, doors, garbage cans, cars, etc.). So you really have to be careful, where you put your feet while walking.
The public transport is quite good. You can use the Metro from 6 am to 1.30 am every day. Through the nights you have various nightbuses, that bring you everywhere. If you are lucky and live near the city center, you can go by foot. You will (almost) never be alone in the streets. Does't matter when. Moreover, if you catch the first metro at about 6 am, you probably will not find a seat to sit down. It's crowded as hell because the creatures of the nights are on their way home and others are on their way to work or whatever.
Talking about work: right in the city center, rather said in the pedestrian precinct, there's the working place of the prostitutes. Every point of time you will find the Ladies standing around and waiting for men to come. They keep on searching very offensive, so it might occure that they try to catch you, touch you while saying "Hey Cutie, how are you? Wanna fuck?". This is really disgusting, as you never know, what or whom they touched before. Uff.

Well, I think this is it for the moment. But as I will spend some more time here, I am sure, this post will be continued.

Some great days - another Flashback.

2009-11-02T20:06:00.006+01:00

It's been a while since I've updated my blog with the current news. It's not that I forgot about it, there was just little time the last days. But luckily I found some minutes to get you updated how I spent my last days. First of all: they were great, again. :-)

After my return from Granada I used the days in Madrid to spend some great moments with my friends around here. I was having a delicious and enourmous dinner and a walk through Madrid on Monday, another nice dinner on Tuesday as well as on Wednesday. It should be mentioned, that we (Iñigo, Wiebke and me) decided to go to a chinese place - I do not want to call it restaurant, because it wasn't. Rather said it was kind of a garage within a passage, where we had cheap and good food underneath the Plaza España.

On Thursday Sasa came to Madrid to visit me for the weekend. So I picked him up at the airport and we had a pretty chilled evening eating some Tapas and having a drink. On Friday we went on the tourist programme through the course of the day. In the evening we had another Coke in Chueca before leaving for OHM, a club for both straights and gays playing electronic music. It was great. The music, the people, the party... I really enjoyed it there, although I was kind of shocked about the enormous consumption of drugs. Coming from a little countryside village like I do, this was ways too much for me. I just kept on ignoring it and so I shaked my ass with the Coke in my hands. That's pretty enough for me. :-) As the club switched on the lights at about 6:15 a.m. we thought where to go now. But finally we decided to have a sandwich and head over straight to bed. So it was 7:30 a.m. when we closed our eyes.

As you can imagine, the night was very short and on Saturday we went shopping and preparing ourselves for Halloween. This nights is celebrated like crazy here in Madrid. Even in some restaurants (e.g. Vips) the staff was in disguise for Halloween and all the stores were decorated as well. So we "designed" our own Halloween costumes in a "creative orgy" and went out. Most of the time we spend walking and waiting in Madrid for different groups of people. But it was quite cool, because everybody was in the streets and you could really see some curious costumes. Girls as killing brides, boys as "sexy girls" in lingerie, vampires, widges, Frankensteins, etc. It was quite cool, to see all the creative people outside having fun.

Me and Sasa ready to go out for Halloween.

As the nights was again very short, we spend a very chilled sunny Sunday. We went to Retiro and enjoyed the sun while walking around and being lazy on a park bench. Afterwards we went to Casa del Campo, which is another big park in Madrid - actually the biggest. Walking up some meters, you have an awesome view on the skyline of Madrid, which is just amazing. As the cableway was driving (?) over or heads, we decided to take them back to the city and this was also great. I could just recommend to everybody, to do this in the evening sun. It was great to "fly" over the Casa del Campo and see everything from above while having the sun in the back. After another late-evening-Siesta we went out again to a party, but it wasn't that great. It was kind of lame, as the DJ didn't know to play the right music. Unfortunately. But that brought me to bed early, which wasn't the worst thing to do, as I had to go to University today. And believe me: after such a great weekend it wasn't an easy thing to do. But I succeeded somehow.

So now Sasa is on his way back home to Germany and I hope he spent a great time here in Madrid. I really enjoyed his company, even without the promised bavarian breakfast. :-P

Weekend Flashback | Granada.

2009-10-26T15:51:00.003+01:00

I was lucky to spend the last three days in Granada with some of the Erasmus students. We had three days of nice sunny weather, were watching various sights like the Alhambra, the Cathedral etc., eating lots of great food, going out and having some party, a flamenco show and for sure: everybody was in a good mood.

To give you a short conclusion:

Sights: the well known Alhambra turned out to be not that gorgeous as expected before. Of course it's an impressing building from earlier ages, but nothing to loose breath. Therefore the view over the beautiful city of Granada was just amazing and the area around Alhambra is definitely worth going there.
Granada is a very beautiful city, which is smaller and therefore more quiet and not that in a hurry as Madrid. There are lots of wonderful buildings, narrow streets that lead you up the hill through the arabian area, which is a really nice area.
Different activities like party or sightseeing were included withing the Erasmus Programme. So we went to a club on Friday where we were surprised by a Flamenco show. Unfortunately this show was aweful. A fat lady screaming all the time and another minor fat one who danced and sang as well. Please watch the following video and you will know, what I am talking about.

But on Saturday, a professional Flamenco show was planned and I really liked it. It's nothing I could watch and enjoy every day, but it was really great to see it once. The dancer was really pretty, the singing Lady seemed to be a man, so you see it was very "adventurous". Please also find three little clips following.

In the city center there is one place, where it is allow to do a Botellon (=drinking alcohol in the streets, which is usually forbidden in Spain). On Saturday we went there and it was just unbelievable. The plaza was crowded like hell with young spanish people, dressed up elegantly and drinking loads of alcohol. Accordingly the place looked like a great garbage dump afterwards.

So if you ever go to Granada, I would recommend the Pensión San Joaquin, which is a pretty nice Hostel near the city center. It's an old building, but rebuild and it spreads a lot of charme. Furthermore you should visit the Mirador, from where you have an amazing view to the Alhambra and the whole city. If you are hungry and feel like having a small selection of tapas to very cheap drinks, you should go to "La Bella y la Bestia" - a very small but very lovely place to be. Afterwards it's a great idea to go to the Ice Dealer at Plaza Nueva. Here you can see wonderful ice decoration and I've never eaten an icecream as delicious as this one. Yumyumy. What more? In Gran Vía de Colon is a very delicious Pastelleria, where you can get every kind of cakes and stuff, to increase your amount of calories. It's worth going and of course eating somehting there. So I will end up here, but not before saying: enjoy the pictures, I have taken this time in Granada.

Four great days in BCN.

2009-10-19T00:55:00.005+02:00

As already mentioned before, I was lucky to spend the last four days in Barcelona visiting a close a friend of mine and spending a good time. The funny thing was, that I was also able to meet an ERASMUS friend and another friend from Germany, because they were also travellng to BCN for that weekend. ;-)

As this was not my first time in BCN, I already knew some places, but I didn't mind to visit all the sights a second time though. So I hit the streets to see La Sagrada Familia, el Park Güell, la Playa en BCNeta, el Montjuic , las casas de Gaudi and many places more... As you can imagine, I took hundreds of photos (to be more precise: over 900...), so you can almost discover my ways through the city on your own with the help of watching my selection of the "best-ofs".

The bad thing was, that it was raining on my arrival day (Thursday), so the temparature lowered heavily. So unfortunately I couldn't sunbath at the beach... But for visiting a city, the weather was perfect: neither too hot, nor too cold.

I do not want to bother you guys with many details, therefore just some impressions, shortly introduced:

If you consider to fly with RyanAir please notice, that you will be arriving on Girona Airport, which is one hour by autobus from BCN. Both ways cost you 21€ additionally to you flight tickets.
Furthermore RyanAir turned out to be a "Kaffeefahrt" as we call it in Germany. The staff on board is more salesman than flight attended. They sell cigarettes, phone cards, lottery cards and stuff like that.
Once seated in the airplane, I thought we were driving to BCN and not flying. It took quite a long time until we arrived at the right runway to take off. hehe
The people in BCN seem to be totally different to what I see in Madrid. I cannot really explain and express why, but I had the feeling. Madrid seems to be more punk, alternative, elegant, ... more different styles of people. But you find these kind of people in BCN as well, of course. Maybe it's just that in BCN there are ways more tourists and the inhabitants from BCN are not that obvious? I don't know. Go there and get your own impression.
Spanish food turned out to be great again. (I had my first Churros - but... I like "Pepito con chocolate" more)
It was great to be on the beach again. Even with all the surfer, it was awesome. It's a totally different atmosphere, when there is the sea at the city side. You can walk along the port, the beach, the promenade and breathe that special air. The blue sea and people of all ages being fascinated by the width, the waves, the weather and the atmosphere of the sea. I really enjoyed being there - as you can see on the loads of pictures I've have taken there.
Cataluña is not Spain. And catalan is not spanish.

This is it for the moment. Maybe I forgot half of the adventures. But look at the pictures, they show more than my words could ever say.

Bina and me in front of the city.

Madrid at night + forecast.

2009-10-14T20:21:00.003+02:00

As already announced, here are the pictures of yesterday's evening, meaning Madrid at night. Have fun watching them.

Furthermore, from tomorrow in the very early morning hours, I will be off to Barcelona to meet a friend of mine over there and hopefully spend a nice weekend at the beach and another very amazing city of Spain. I am sure, it will become a great weekend. On the one hand coming to back to Barcelona after 2 years (I've been there for holidays) and on the other side I'll meet a close friend, I haven't seen for a long while now. As we couldn't manage it to see each other in our hometown, we'll come together now in Spain. It couldn't be any better. I'll keep you updated afterwards.

Flashback of the last days.

2009-10-14T00:40:00.005+02:00

What happen in the meantime? Without remember every detail, I am prety sure, that several funny hours passed. While I was out with Wiebke, we made the plan to find new friends, as all the ERASMUS guys were travelling, unwilling to go out or already had other plans, we could not adapt to. So we went to Tupperware, which is a pretty funny place in Malasaña. While we were standing there next to the bar and were enjoying our drinks and ourselves, we recognized a young spanish guy, who was standing right next to us - lonely. So this was supposed to be our victim and Wiebke started to talk to him. Iñigo turned out to be a crazy little Hispano. Originally from San Sebastian, he was also very new to Madrid. So we connected quite well and had a very funny night. Not special, but great. But as we all know: it's the small things, that make live worth living, right? ;)

Wiebke and Iñigo

Saturday really was a quiet and lazy day. Just chilling in bed, heading over to the city, doing some shopping in order to fill the refrigerador... Even the evening was nothing more that staying in bed - with the TV Series "How I met your mother!". I watched the first series from the first episode and fell totally in love. It's an awesome comedy thing and I really recommend watching it to everybody, who hasn't seen it before. It's brilliant.

Sunday I went to Rastro, a big and very popular flea market in the streets of La Latina. It's famous for being a pulling magnet for all kinds of people to spend a quiet sunday morning. We roamed around watching all that mostly ugly stuff that was put on the selling desk in the streets. When we saw everything, we had breakfast and went to the city. At that point of time, Madrid was awakening or better said: La Latina was getting crowded. I've never seen so many people on one place in Madrid before. Weird. I had to go then to pick up a friend at the airport, that was coming to visit me. But surely, we will go back and join Rastro another day a little bit later with all the spanish people. :-)

On Sunday evening I went out with a broad "mixture" of people. Some ERASMUS girls, the friend who was visiting me/ Madrid, a friend i got to know through Anna from Munich and later on, our new friend, Iñigo. So we started another tour in Malasaña and finally ended up in Chueca. It was quite fun, but we decided to go home at 3.30h, as the next day was a very or rather said the most important bank holiday for Spain: Día de la Hispanidad.

So there was a big military parade on one of the biggest streets of Madrid, a speech of the king, jets on the sky and all that stuff... but as there were sooo many very proud Hispanos, we decided to quit that parade and start our traveller's tour around Madrid. It was funny to show him around as I was shown around the last weeks. We really saw everything... Prado, Plaza Mayor, Sol, Gran Vía, Retiro, Atocha, Palacio Real, Jardínes de Sabatini, .... And today everything again at night. Pictures will follow asap.

Palacio Real at night

Stories from here, there and somewhere.

2009-10-08T20:01:00.002+02:00

HERE

Today seemed to be a typical day in a spanish student's life and I am happy to be able to be adapted that well. First of all I made a logical mistake with setting the alarm clock. So when I already put on my shoes and grabbed all the stuff to leave for university, I recognized that I was one hour too late. So I decided not to join that course and just go to University for the spanish course. When I was in the classroom with all the other ERASMUS students, a lady came and told us, that the teacher feels sick and is at the doctor. So there was no class and I went there for nothing, again... :)

Yesterday I went to a marketing course in spanish. The teacher is quite crappy, but funny. I've never seen a person moving that slowly. And her voice is really horrible. The task for the students in this course will be to copy the slides on the wall. So... come on. Is this the way of spanish studies? I hope not. But I am afraid, it is. I'll see, how the other courses will work out.

THERE.

Today I just got a small package from Sebastian from Munich. How lovely. A heart made out of Lebkuchen and a little mouse in memory of Sebastian's "Roomie". :-) And again, a CD with his favourites of 2009. Great. I was so happy and I still am. Of course, I already found a place on the wall where I put Rizzo Junior and the heart.

Rizzo Junior riding the heart of Lebkuchen.

SOMEWHERE.

Moreover I really have to figure out the free weekends and plan some more trips with the other ones, so that everybody is free for travelling. After Toledo, Segovia, Barcelona and Granada, I think there are about various cities left, that should be visited. San Sebastian, Sevilla, Valencia, Salamanca or even head over to Marrokko... Just to mention some possible destination. But besides time, it's all a question of money for sure. We'll see.

Another week passed.

2009-10-07T22:28:00.004+02:00

Again a week passed by very quickly. Although there wasn't anything special - at least I can not remember right now - it was another great week. The weekend I spent with some friends and I enjoyed the full range from really relaxing hours in the Retiro to party at night and lots of great food.

In addition I finally fixed my schedule for university. At least I hope I did. I have to see, if the university in Germany is fine with it, but I guess they are. I hope, I don't feel like re-structuring everything over and over again. The good thing right now is, that I don't have any lessons on Friday. YAY. The bad thing is, that I just have one spanish spoken course. I would have like two, but... well. It didn't fit into the schedule, as every course seems to be at the same time...

Furthermore I can show you guys some more pictures, as Carlos showed me the big park area of Madrid "Casa de Campo" yesterday. It was quite exhausting to walk on the dusty and unsecured paths, but as we were on top, the view was just amazing. You could see the city of Madrid with all its big and beautiful buildings...The Royal Palace, all the churches and other big buildings, that already fascinated me while standing in front of them. At night, I walked again through the streets and enjoyed the atmosphere on the Plaza Mayor and other cool streets.

Today Carlos told me to come to the four towers. Apparently it's the week of architecture in Madrid and today you could have entered one of the towers. But unfortunately I was too late and not the only one waiting in front. So I just could take some pictures from the ground and unfortunately I wasn't able to get it and up. But well... Definitely I was worth a journey.

Moreover on Sunday the first visit of friend takes place and then October will be over very fast, as every weekend is already planned... A journey to Barcelona, another trip to Granada and another friend coming aroung. So November will be there very fast and already another friend booked his flight. I am really happy to welcome them all here in my new temporarily hood. :-)

Las cuatro torres de Madrid.

Trip to Segovia with a little extra.

2009-10-01T18:50:00.003+02:00

As already mentioned, yesterday I was in Segovia with Ana and Wiebke. At first, it was a little bit confusing to get the right train, but as we sit on our seats, a great day was about to start.

The whole system to enter the trains seems to be totally different to the german one. Here it's more similiar to the procedure when you take the airplane. You have your tickets with you and the ladies on the counter just next to the train scann it. Afterwards, your bags get scanned automatically, before you are allowed to get into the train. Strange. But...safe. At least more or less. :-)

Arrived in Segovia, we found a beautiful old city underneath a cloudy sky. First of all, we walked down to the Acueducto, which is a very impressing building of more or less about 2.000 years age. Incredible, how they build this big something in order to provide water from the mountains to the inhabitants of Segovia in earlier times. Just following the Acueducto, you find amazing little houses, nice places and for sure a lot of (german) tourists. Passing the Iglesia San Martín and other cool buildings, we finally arrived at Alcazár. At first we were a little bit surprised about all the security and police men, but as we heard, that Prince Felipe is within this beautiful fairy-tale castle, we weren't wondering anymore. We decided to wait, as we were told, that everything will go its usual course at about 16:00 h. So we waited and finally he came: Prince Felipe. I felt like a little Paparazzi, taking loads of pictures of this member of the royal family. At that time, I didn't really appreciate the whole setting, but afterwards, it was quite great to have seen him. Cool thing.

So, after he was gone in his (old) limousine, we kept to walking in order to finish our route and to find a place to eat something. I already got adjudged several times, but... I do not want to lie. hehe. We ate in an american restaurant, although Segovia is known for gorgeous spanish food. But nevertheless we had fun in that old theatre and the plates were really big, great and cheap. Awesome. Maybe I will return one day to Segovia (the whole trip just costed 15 €) and have a typical spanish something. :-)

Wiebke, me and Ana in front of the Segovian skyline

Travel schedule.

2009-09-29T21:32:00.003+02:00

Today was a lazy day. Actually I stayed all day in bed - except for that little shopping something in order to fill the refridgerator. But I had to recover my energy, as I will go to Segovia tomorrow. I am really curious about it, because so many guys already told me, that it's supposed a beautiful city. So I'll go there tomorrow with two other german girls. But before, I'll go out tonight with the ERASMUS Students. Having a Coke and some Tapas and that's it. But I am sure, it will be a fun evening though.

And to complete me travel schedule, I am happy to say, that I booked a flight to Barcelona in October. So I will go there for 4 days to visit a friend of mine, who is studying there as well for the upcoming months. As we could fix a date to meet each other in our hometown, now we could find a date in Spain. I am so looking forward to see her after such a long time again and of course I am curious to be in Barcelona again. Maybe even the weather is fine, so that I can spend some hours at the beach. This would be awesome.

Furthermore I already received some bookings for the next months. I am really excited about it, to see some german friends around here and to show them around, showing the places I recently got to know and all that stuff. This will be great. I am sure. So - who's next? :-)

English doesn't exist.

2009-09-28T23:00:00.003+02:00

At least I have the impression, that English seems to be from another planet for most of the spanish inhabitants. There are just a few guys in the streets, that are able to speak a little English. The ones, that are able, speak a very spanish English. For example, the prof of a certain subject in University: although he has been in UK for 15 years, he is not able to pronounce the words correctly. In fact, he is able to speak fluently, but every single word sounds spanish. This is really funny.

But on the other side, it's not really surprising, as they translate almost everything into spanish. Whereas in Germany we keep phrases like New York, Big Apple, Mickey Mouse, Hot Dog or Big Brother, here everything is translated as follows: Nueva York, Gran Manzana, Ratón Mickey, Perrito Caliente or Gran Hermano. This is really weird. But fun though.

But I like the language and the way they are communicating. Above all I like the belittlement of "-ito/-ita", which is used quite often. So a small car isn't called "coche" but "cochecito", a little house is not a "casa" but a "casita" and so on. This is also used for little books, pieces of queese, animales, .. everything. It's lovely.

I hope, I will get used to all this lovely expressions in the upcoming months. I am really looking forward to it. And I will keep my ears open for some more weird, but lovely expressions of my beloved spanish friends. :-)

Week III - Flashback.

2009-09-27T19:04:00.005+02:00

It's crazy, how fast time passes by. Week III is almost gone. Accordingly, this means I am here for more than three weeks now. I hardly can believe it. I do not want to list everything I did. Just mention some highlights of the week:

Monday: very delicious vegetarian dinner consisting of soup, main course, dessert
Tuesday: Tapas-highlight: Croquetas, Salmorejo con Jamon, Pastel de Pollo
Wednesday: met another girl from my hometown (!) to went out in La Latina
Thursday: first little shopping tour, enjoyed my first Napolitana de Crema, chilled "siesta-evening", went out with friends
Friday: birthday party of Ele, my personal assistant
Saturday: another delicious experience: Leche Merengada, Horchata con Fartons
Sunday: journey to Toledo

As you might have seen, it's all about eating and food. This is really great here in Spain. Food is not just eating in order to get rid of hunger. Better said it's a whole culture of its own. It takes its time and it is worth it. Furthermore, it creates a totally close atmosphere and establishes a feeling of community, as everybody is eating from every plate on the table. In most cases, food seems not to be very sane, but it's delicious. At least what I have eaten so far. :-) And this is just a little piece of the spanish kitchen, as it seems to me. I am curious to find out more about it.

Another highlight of the week was definitely the birthday party of Ele. It was the first time after my arrival in Madrid, that we saw each other again - including all of her friends. We started the whole evening with a "Botellón". This means meeting your friends outside, celebrating and of course having some drinks. This is a bit difficult, because actually it is not allowed in Spain. So you have to be careful with drinking in the streets and above all with celebrating birthday with a bunch of more or less drunken spanish guys. :-) But we were lucky and nobody disturbed our little party. As it was very cold at the end, we decided to go to a club to keep on celebrating her birthday. As my jacket didn't fit to the dresscode, I changed the jacket with a sweater of Pablo (friend of Ele) and it wasn't a problem to enter. Weird world, but this is how we know it.

I was also happily suprised, to get to know three guys during the evening, that were able to speak German. So there was no need for me to feel completely lost within the crowd of crazy spanish speaking people. But it was quite good and I got to know some more words. It's all about learning the real spanish language. :-) The party then lasted until the early morning hours and I was at home at about 6:45h. As this was my first night in Madrid, I was really wondering how crowded the Metro is at that point of time. All the creatures of the night are on their way back home, heading over to have their first café of the day or the other ones, that are just on their way to go to work.

The party crowd of THAT night.

Furthermore I want to dedicate some more words to the trip to Toledo which took place just as of today. Toledo is about 45 Minutes by car from Madrid. I was lucky to join some friends to go there, so I didn't have to take the train. We met each other this morning at 10:00h, so we could start our Toledo-tour at about 10:50h. Just like all the other tourists, we walked up- and down-hill through the narrow streets of Toledo, watching all the old buildings and taking loads of pictures. Toledo seems to be an old city, that is just waiting on its little hill for all the tourists. There seems to be nothing else, but old building, souvenir-shops, restaurantes and all the other stuff, that attracts tourists. But nevertheless, it is surely worth a trip. You'll see the pictures and know what I am talking about.

Weekend Flashback | 1st day at University.

2009-09-20T14:10:00.007+02:00

This weekend was kind of cool. It already started on Thursday evening, as I decided not to go University on Friday. hehe. So I went out with some german ERASMUS students to a party, especially for ERASMUS. But unfortunately the prices weren't student-friendly, the music was aweful and the people just sitting there. So, this was not our place to be and we changed the location. At least, we wanted to. But as I saw the queue in front of the club, I didn't feel like waiting for hours and I went home.

On Friday I did another Tour through Madrid, watching some more tourist attractions and Stuff and had a real good time. In the afternoon hours, I met a friend from Madrid and we found out, that I already know "every single" touristic place. So we just walked around and enjoyed some drinks here and there. In the evening hours, I was out for a little bar-hopping session. Checked out various places in Chueca, but honestly I just liked one more or less. hehe.

Saturday was a pretty chilled day, which I spent almost the whole day in bed. I really enjoyed just doing nothing. Also I had to get prepared for the "Noche en blanco". But if I knew, that it would not be anything special, I would probably not have been sooo lazy all day long. This night was pretty and funny with the people I was out, but it did not meet my expectations. There were just sooo many people walking through the city center watching the beautiful buildings. Main feature of that night actually were museums for free, different stages within the city, various artists presenting their arts (painting, dancing, ...). But as there were so many people, the queues in front of every "highlight" were too long to be worth waiting for. So I just took a loads of pictures, but in the end it was a fun night as well.

On Sunday I kept on doing some cultural experiences - thanks to a good guide. I saw some exhibitions about photography and modern art at one place and great architectural models at another one. At night I walked around the city again, searching some places to have Tapas. But here it's very common, that the bars are closed on Sunday. Just the tourist places in the city core were open. But we didn't feel like paying loads of money for semi-well-prepared food. At the end, we ended up in my neighborhood. It wasn't very cheap as well, but okay. But you have to face, that Madrid is an expensive place to be. Food - even in supermarkets - is quite expensive and also all drugstore's articles are hardly affordable, as you won't find some shops like dm or Rossmann here.

Today I had the my first day at university - at least I were there. hehe. I was waiting the whole morning in front of the "International Relations"-office just to get an answer, I knew already before. So I went on checking out my schedule, but I wasn't successful. Neither I could find the course nor the right class room. So I decided quickly to change it and to join some other ERASMUS students, but we weren't more successful. The teacher didn't come, so after 1 hour of not knowing what to do, waiting, hoping and laughing, we finally went home. I think, this was the best decision of the day.

Puerta de Sol [Madrid]

Week II - almost over.

2009-09-17T20:30:00.006+02:00

It's Thursday again and another week already almost passed. Time goes by so fast, it's unbelievable. Some more days are gone and I got to know some new people, places and the change of the spanish weather. Whereas it was so damn hot last week, now there are not more than 17°C and rain from time to time. But according to the forecasts, the weather will improve at the weekend, so I can be optimistic. :-)

On Tuesday I met my tutor again and I went out with her and a friend of hers to have Tapas. The two girls spend their Erasmus time in Poland and told me what can be expected from the upcoming months. I got a nice impression - again. So I am very optimistic, that this is going to be the time of my life. As another Erasmus friend of theirs arrived, it was quite hard to follow the conversation, but at least I got the sense of it.

Concerning the university there are not many news available. I already had two little tests, where we had to show our level of spanish. We will see, how good or bad I am. Although on Monday my regular courses will start, I still don't know, which courses I will have to attend. This is really crazy and really non-german. But good to know, that I am in Spain.

Tonight I will meet Wiebke (a german student from Wiesbaden) and then we will join the Erasmus party, that every Thursday takes place. It's the first time for us, so we will see, what will happen there. But I am sure, it will be fun though.

On the following pictures you can see my road at night and my way up to the 4th floor, where I live.

This is my room. | PART II

2009-09-14T17:20:00.004+02:00

To be more precise, it's not my room but the rest of the flat. Just a little update with some more pics for the moment.

Some additional information: this little roomie annoys me with his friend every single morning, when they start chirping as soon as there is some light in the flat. :-/

First "guided" city tour.

2009-09-14T01:52:00.005+02:00

Unfortunately, this weekend is already over and in just a few hours I will be sitting in my intensive spanish course again. This weekend turned out to be a very cool one in that sense of matter, that it confirmed my choice to come to Madrid. The city is just beautiful and the guys - both from Erasmus as well as from Madrid itself - are really cool.

So I spent two nights out with the students in one of the various bars in Madrid. Although the weather turned a little worse, it's still ways better than it might be in Germany right now. :-P Today, I had my first "organized" walk through the city. I felt like a tourist, but... honestly speaking, I am a tourist at that moment of time. So, who cares. I saw lots of new and already known places, took some photos and drank a very refreshing crushed-ice-lemon-something, which name I already forgot. Stupid me, but surely it wasn't the last time, I bought this. Furthermore, I would like to mention, that it's totally crucial to get one of this delicious McFlurry with OREO, if you come to Spain once. I've never had something more amazing to eat than that - okay. This might be a little bit exaggerated, but you got the message, right?

Furthermore some of the Tapas-food also turned out to be very delicious. In detail I am thinking of Croquetas, fried potatoes with eggs and some vegetables, calamares, ... I have to stop now, otherwise I am getting really hungry right now.

Good to be here. | PART II

2009-09-12T21:12:00.002+02:00

I forgot one important thing. I do not want to say, it was the best thing today, but definitely one that has to be mentioned as well!

When I stepped out of the Metro after my short city tour, there was kind of a demonstration in the Calle de Atocha. I didn't really get it, why they were demonstrating. But I guess the wanted to open the society's eyes for disabled people, because there were many people in wheelchairs and stuff.

Besides the group of disabled people, there was a group of musicians with percussions and the made great beats just with their percussions anc clocks. The ones, that know me, also know that I totally go for that kind of music. And to see, how everybody was dancing in the streets, this was so cool. And a very sympathic way to demonstrate. Without speakers or being so serious as I knew it from Germany.

Good to be here.

2009-09-12T20:34:00.004+02:00

This was the first Saturday, I was able to do what I want without any responsibilities. I got up very late and had a slow start into the day. After a short conversation with my roomie while I was having "breakfast", I jumped into the Metro and I tried to experience the City a little bit. So I drove to the city centre and walked through all the little streets with all these little shops and big buildings.

Finally, I decided to go to the Royal Palace. This is really an amazing building. Unfortunately I did not take my camera with me. So I am just able to post a picture taken from the WWW. When I arrived in front of the Palace, I really enjoyed the atmosphere around. I sat down on the stairs and was just watching the people. It felt so good to see all the tourists and even the spanish inhabitants over there, while listening to the music of the musicians on the street. It was such an amazing atmosphere! I could have sat there for hours.

The spanish guys seem to be vey self-confident, happy, easy going and chilled guys, that really take care of each other, although it sometimes might seem that they are "rude". But this is just part of their culture, as it seems to me. I could really fall in love with this whole attitude I think. It's not that strict and conservative over here, as it is in Germany and from time to time, this would also be good in Germany I think.

So. These were enough lovely words for now, hehe.

Palacio Real in Madrid

Quelle: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/181588273_b20b48353e.jpg

Already one week passed by.

2009-09-12T03:12:00.003+02:00

While I was walking to the night buses, I just realised, that already one week is gone, since I've come to Madrid. This is so crazy. Within just one week, I got to know so many new people, I found a flat, I got the first impressions of the spanish way of life (and talk) and many things more.

Now, just arrived from having some drinks with my new "Erasmus friends", I am sitting in my bed and I definitely can say, that is was the right choice to spend this semester abroad. To be more precise: to spend it in Spain.

This is my room.

2009-09-11T20:16:00.006+02:00

After some days of silence, now I am able to update you guys once again. In the meantime I checked out at the hostel and moved into my shared flat for the next months.

The last days in the hostel really turned out as very uncomfortable. If you share a room with three other guys, it is not possible to sleep very well. At the end, there was a young french guy, that went out all night long. On the other hand, there was an Australien guy, who was in a desperate need of sleep after hours and hours of travelling. But due to the various time zones, he could not fell asleep and was moving all the time. The third one, let me call him the "drunken Japanese" fell asleep only 2 seconds after his last words at about 20:00h. There, he didn't feel like sleeping at 4:30h, switched on the lights (!!) and was searching for something. Arrrrgh! But okay...

In the evening, I took a taxi to the new flat and carried all my heavy luggage into the 4th floor. I just felt like I am going to die. But as I found out today, there is no need to do any sports for me, because I live in the 4th floor without a elevator and the next big supermarket on the one hand is just about 500m away, but down the hill. Uff. ;-) My roomie seems to be a very cool guy from Columbia. The flat is located near the City Center and the area is.. I wouldn't say, it's quite nice, but it's okay and compared to the other ones I've seen, it's the best! On that picture you can see, how it looks like.

The entrance of my house is just next to the guys with the orange shirt. And here you can see my little room. I think, here must be about 33°C. So it's really hot in here and I am wondering, how I should fall asleep at night. But before, I will go out and meet the other erasmus students, as I didn't go out yesterday with them. I was too tired to get my ass over there to have this party.

Well then. I think, this should be it for the moment. I hope you are fine as well. Keep in touch.

All bad things come to an end.

2009-09-08T22:19:00.003+02:00

OMG, I am so happy and relieved right now. After several days and many walks through the city and even more rides with the Metro, I finally found an appartement or to be exact: a room. Today, I have been successful with the 4th trial. The room is very close to the city center and if I compare this room with all the other ones I've seen, it's the best at all. I DO have a window, a normal door and even some space for a wardrobe and a little table. So this is even more than I expected.

The spanish course seems to work out well and now I can also start to concentrate more on all the other Erasmus students, as I do not need to search for flats anymore. There were some very nice French guys in my group, besides some italians, a few participants from other countries like portugal and suize and approximately 50% germans. :-/

I think, I spent most of my money for phone calls. As I used a flatrate while I was in Germany, I totally forgot, how expensive these prepaid cards were. This is really weird, but I shouldn't complain. :-)

Today, for the first time, it was a bit "colder" and we had just 27°C and it was a little bit windy, which made me feel more comfortable here. But it's so cool, just to wear shorts and shirts all day long without any doubts, if this could be to cold. It's quite the difference, if it was possible, I would rather wear swimwear. LOL

What can I tell you about the guys...? I think, there is a wide range for every taste. The style of the girls and boys differs from very alternative to elegant, sexy, lady-/gentleman-like,... I think almost every kind of style is represented. But those of you, who will come and visit, will be able to see everything by their own eyes. ;)

I think, I will go to bed soon. Tomorrow another day in the spanish course is about to take my full concentration in order to speak some words in a full sentence. hehe. But in private life, it somehow works more or less in a good way. So... I am very optimistic. :-)

So many german Erasmus.

2009-09-07T22:49:00.003+02:00

Surprise, surprise. The Wifi is working again and everybody is so happy about it and sitting next to me chatting, skyping and looking for flats. Just like me. It's really a very tough task to find a room here. Although there are plenty of rooms available, it is very hard. You can hardly find a room that meets your expectations and believe me: my expectations were very low now. But I'll keep on searching.

Today I had my first day at the university and I met all the other Erasmus students. From time to time I felt as if I were in Germany. There were so many germans around, it's unbelievable. But, of course, there are many other nations as well. From France to Italy, from Poland to Estovia and I don't know where they were from. It was just a short introduction of the Erasmus Team and what will happen in the future. For example, there will be a journey to Granada in October or onther one to Barcelona in December. Furthermore we had to do a little conversation with the teachers so that they were able to find out, how good (or bad) we are in concerns of speaking german. I think it was okay and I will be somewhere in the upper middle level. But I have to look after my name tomorrow on the list. And then this will be my first spanish lesson on site. But I had to talk a lot in spanish already, as there are just a very few guys able to speak english. But I think, I've said this before.

My English feels like shit right now, so I better stop at this point and go to bed soon.

Day 1 and 2.

2009-09-06T18:36:00.004+02:00

After mz first short night in the hostel, I wanted to look after a shared flat. Therefore I wanted to check the internet to find some new and cool flats. But the big problem is, that the Wifi is not working since yesterday morning and the most annoying thing is, that nobody takes care of this problem in the hostel. So there are just 5 old computers available for the whole hostel. As here are so many people looking for flats, you surely can imagine, that it is almost impossible to find a free computer to look for a flat. The other thing is, that so manz guys are searching for accomodation, that the offer in Madrid is very limited. So, up to now, I do not have any good information concerning "my" flat. I already went to a shared flat of 3 spanish people, but I think it might be to expensive. On Monday evening I will meet another guy to see his flat. If this was be okay, I would take it, so that this topic can be bookmarked as DONE.

As there was no internet available, I walked around a little bit in order to get to know Madrid. I walked through Chueca, crossed Gran Via, la Puerta del Sol and went back on Calle de Fuencarral. I got to see so many beautiful buildings. Very old, but rebuild and just wonderful.

The weather is very hot. Although there are just 30-33 degrees, it is quite hot. I jumped from shadow to shadow, but this even didn't help me that much. All shops and the metro are cold, because of the air conditioner. But it feels good from time to time, to refresh a little bit. I am just afraid of getting sick because of it, but I am optimistic, that this won't happen. :-)

In the evening hours, I met my tutor for the first time: Klaudia. We went out with two spanish friends of her and some other germans also joined us. It was quite relaxing, to hear some german words and to be able to get to know something in my native language. Although I understand more than I expected at first, it is very hard. The guys are talking really fast and as soon as there is some background noise, it is even more difficult to understand them. But it works out somehow and I am trying to talk to them in spanish as well, as most of the guys weren't able to speak english. But as I will be forced to speak, i could not have anz better practice and this is what I wanted at first. :-)

Honestly, I had some conversations totally in spanish and it worked somehow. Using signs, arms and feet, but it worked. hehe. I also bought a spanish mobile phone. It was quite cheap, but I am not that sure, if I got every information, that young lady gave to me. But I will ask my "spanish consultants" afterwards, what's going on.

Tonight I will meet Klaudia again with another Erasmus student from Poland, that just arrived this evening. Maybe afterwards, I will meet another guy, that wanted to show me around a bit. But maybe it will get to late, as tomorrow will be my first day in the university.

I think, that should be it for me moment. I just can say, that I am feeling really good here. The spanish guys around are really nice and outgoing. This helps me a lot to feel comfortable here.

First impressions.

2009-09-05T10:16:00.002+02:00

The world is small - often heard and more often approved. Even before I arrived in Madrid, I got to know a young lady, who was going to visit a friend in Madrid. In the course of our conversation, it came out, that she will be visiting a girl from my hometown, that is currently attending an internship in Madrid. So we met each other on the airport and it was quite fun, as we knew each other.

Elena, my personal assistant, did a great job. She picked me up at the airport with a german flag (even if it was hidden in her bag, it was nice though) and then we drove to the hostel. I'll never say again, women can't park - she did a great job with putting her car into one of the smallest parking lots i've ever seen. It seems, as if it not a good idea to bring your car to Madrid, because there won't be any parking lots. hehe

As already promised to some of you, I had my first Coke besides my first real Tapas after I checked in to the hostel. And it was so delicious. Nam nam. Afterwards we went out to meet some (or even all?) friends of Ele in a real cool bar. The were very open minded and so lovely, so I really felt comfortable with all these Teresas, Patis, Pablos, Jorges, Joses etc. ...

At 3 o'clock I had to leave the group, although they were continuing having party. But I was to tired and I wanted to go back to my nerds in the hostel room. But it came out, that the nerds weren't that nerdy as thought at first.

Now, I had my first breakfast and I will see, what I can do in concerns of finding a room for the upcoming months.

I'll keep you updated.

Taking last steps.

2009-09-04T08:15:00.004+02:00

Today is the day of my departure for Madrid. There are just a few little things left, which have to be done: getting all the stuff packed and trying to close the suitcases (will be a hard task), saying GOODBYE to the family and the last thing might be saying or rather thinking "Tschüss Deutschland, hola Espana.".

It's kind of a weird feeling, because the last 2-3 weeks were full of farewells. This already started in Munich, where I was lucky to get to know so many nice people during the last six months. They really became very important for me and it was really a tough task knowing, that we won't see each other for a while. So I really hope, your promises will get real and we will see each other in Madrid as soons as this is possible.

After the arrival at my parents, the whole process started from the beginning again, as there are great guys in my hometown area as well. So I tried to see as many friends as possible, but of course, it's not possible to see all them. So... For all the guys, we couldn't fix a date, maybe we are more lucky finding a date for Madrid? You never know. Keep watching out for cheap flights and let me know, if we find a way to see each other over there. Feel welcomed. :-)

Just one last thing: as there might be some guys reading this blog, who are not aware of the german language, I decided to start writing in English for the next upcoming months. I hope this fits you well and everything becomes clear though. But I am optimistic.

Having said this, it's now time for me to take the last steps here and get active. I will get back to you, as soon as there is something to say. And I am sure, there will be something worth it already after the first hours in Madrid. But I have to find the time for blogging as well. :-)

Abschied nehmen.

2009-08-26T19:39:00.003+02:00

Und wieder heißt es Abschied nehmen. Zwar ist die Angelegenheit dieses Mal um einiges erfreulicher, jedoch stimmt mich auch dieser Abschied von Zeit zu Zeit traurig. Nach sechs wunderbaren Monaten in München heißt es nun "Tschüss" zu sagen. Tschüss zu einer schönen Stadt, die im Sommer soviele schöne Ecken und Plätze bietet, sodass man gar nicht dazu kommt, alle zu sehen. Eine Stadt, die für jeden Geschmack etwas bereit hält. Eine Stadt, die eigentlich auch nur ein Dorf ist. Dafür jedoch ein schönes. In diesem städtischen Dorf haben sich im Laufe des halben Jahres zu den eh schon vorhandenen Freunden eine Menge neuer lieber Leute gesellt, die mir den Abschied zusätzlich erschweren.

So wurden und werden die letzten Abende dazu genutzt, "Auf Wiedersehen!" zu sagen - sei es in den kommenden Monaten in Madrid oder danach zu Besuch. Je nachdem, wohin es mich verschlagen wird.

In diesem Sinne werde ich die mir verbleibenden 3 Tage noch genießen, soweit mir das möglich ist.

Der letzte Gang.

2009-08-05T22:22:00.003+02:00

Heute war es soweit: Der letzte Gang einer taffen, zufriedenen und v.a. bescheidenen Frau. Die Gefühlsschwankungen der letzten Tage waren heute jedoch nicht mehr so enorm. Es ging zu großen Teilen in die weniger erfreuliche Richtung. So wurde viel in Erinnerungen geschwelgt und viele Tränen vergossen.

Aber auch heute, trotz aller Trauer wieder etwas sehr erfreuliches: die zahlreiche Anteilnahme auf schriftlichem und persönlichem Weg hat mich nie so berührt wie heute. In Kombination mit lieben und bewundernden Worten bei der Beerdigung war die Trauerfeier somit ein ehrwürdiger, letzter Gang für einen ruhigen und sehr geschätzten Menschen-meine Oma.

In diesem Sinne sagt ein Bild mehr als 1.000 Worte.

Es ist seltsam.

2009-08-04T23:53:00.004+02:00

Und das wird es wohl auch bleiben. Ein unterschwelliges Gefühl, welches nie im Vordergrund, aber dennoch immer präsent ist. Deinen Tagesablauf unmittelbar begleitet und bestimmt. In manchen Momenten stellt es sich hinten an, um sich gleich kurz darauf wieder vorzudrängeln.

Diese Unausgewogenheit gepaart mit Unsicherheit hier und da, bereitet mir gerade seltsame Stunden. Nicht, dass diese nicht lebens- und erfahrenswert wären, aber wirklich angenehm sind sie nicht. Demnach sehe ich der morgigen offiziellen Verabschiedung entgegen und bin gespannt, wie sich die Zeremonie auf das Gemüt auswirken wird.

In diesem Sinne heute einfach mal noch das meistgespielteste Lied meiner Playlist der vergangenen Tage.