The last month was a big highlight for me. For the first time in a year and a half, I’ve visited my home country Austria again. My husband and I have spent the Christmas Holidays with our families and friends there. The time we spent there, although unfortunately way too short, was very beautiful. Even though the distance to my family doesn't seem that big anymore, thanks to facetime and co., it is something different when you are physically able to hug your family, to eat on the same table and to play together. Also our dogs were so happy to see us again.
After a long flight, our family and friends were waiting for us at the airport and surprised us with Kornspitz and egg spread. That was so cool, because such delicacies are unfortunately not so easy to be found in the USA. Altogether we spent 2 weeks in Austria and how you can imagine, it was very tight scheduled. We’ve tried to meet as many friends and family members as possible in the short time. We were also looking forward to eat all the traditional food that we’ve missed eating so much, like vanilla flavoured croissants, doughnuts, "real" bread, goulash, chocolate pudding, poppy seed strudel, Chocolate bananas, pepper flavoured chips and so on… (3kg weight gain was already taken into account before the start of the trip.)
Even though we had no white Christmas, we did have enjoyed the Christmas holidays a lot. Just being able to switch off from work and have fun with family and friends was super relaxing. Especially New Year's Eve was very nice. We got together and decided to throw a big party in 20's style with our friends and the whole family: siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. No matter what age, we all had a great time talking to and dancing with each other. This evening was really the crowning glory of our time in Austria.
It was hard to say goodbye, but once back in the USA, I felt like I had easily accustomed to my daily life again. I've missed my colleagues a lot and I like being back in the lab. By the way, they were very happy about the many sweets that I brought from Austria and so my Chocolate stocks are also used up again very soon.
Saskia's report no. 1: What I actually do here in the USA
Saskia's report no. 2: Saskia's work at Yale School of Medicine
Saskia's report no. 3: Tour of the laboratory
Saskia's report no. 4: Home visit over Christmas
Saskia's report no. 5: Plans for the future
Saskia's report no. 6: Current situation in the USA
Saskia's report no. 7: New every-day-life in isolation
Saskia's report no. 8: Yale Campustour
Saskia's report no. 9: Where to begin? What a month!
Saskia's report no. 10: Moving day to New York City
Saskia's report no. 11: The first weeks in New York City
Saskia's report no. 12: Farewell