Bye Bye California

Its been a great month but alas its over. I am returning tomorrow morning to Germany. Its been Spring/Summer weather here with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 20s.
Yes there was a fire near me, the Montecito Tea fire but no, I was not in danger. In fact it reminded me of Summers spent in Serra da Estrela where I would be hipnotized by the burning flames in the distance. Only the flames here were really tall.
Scientifically this place has also been great. I met a lot of people whose work I had read and others I did not know at all. Regardless, it was very productive and it was the relaxed environment that I needed after having no holidays this summer. In a sense, its like August was given back to me. I didn't enjoy it then but I enjoied it now. My only regret is not having brought my bathing suit.

bye bye Santa Barbara, hello Köln

Day 39

it has been a while since my last post. But there are good reasons for that.
I am now in Sunny California, and when I say sunny I really mean sunny. I always thought the weather here would be similar to Portugal but in fact its much more summery. Its warm most of the time, even at night. I am really having a good time here. The locals are very nice people and the science part has also been quite rewarding. Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures yet but I am sure to do so soon. I have two more weeks of sun before I go back to dark Köln.