October - November 2003
Tuesday, 11 November 2003
Photos: Here are some pics from the Halloween party at Haendelstrasse
Monday, 10 November 2003
November Begins
Actually, November began 10 days ago now. What have I done? Well, a little of this and a little of that. I guess you can say that I am having some difficulty taking this Masters' Thesis seriously. After all, it will be a stupid collection of facts, almost randomly assembled onto 60 pages. I know I have to do this in order to obtain my degree, however, and also realize that it will count for a large proportion of my final grade.
I have been having a lot of fun with my WG-Mates lately. We had a fun pizza dinner with Jens. Afterwards, I went to another friends b-day bash. But Saturday was the best!! Jojo had visitors from France and we had an amazing night out with lots of beer and lots of cigarettes! We went for a Turkish snack, then to Fiereling brewery for Beer and finally to the Jazzhaus to check out Vienna Scientists. It was so cool because the entrance fee was only 4 Euros! I was really happy about this. It was lowered from 6 Euros by the time we got there (1AM!).
Besides this all is well. Boris and I have begun to decentralize and give one another more private space. I think it is very healthy and I am already enjoying my time to myself, as well as, my more limited moments with him. Meanwhile, I am trying to arrange some things for him and us later in the month and also trying to continue improving in both my German and Website skills. Another goal is to keep running! That is maybe even participating in something like a half marathon later this year or early in 2004.
Oh yeah, and I am also trying to write my Thesis!
Ciao,
Erica
P.S. Paris and friends, here we come...this December!
Thursday, 30 October 2003
Today I will submit my Thesis
Wow! I never thought that this would be such a difficult decision. Sure -- I have a reputation with some of those who know me well enough as being indecisive, but I thought I had solve this glitch in my personality. I guess not.
This morning was a bit strange at Boris' place. The coffee machine exploded! Yup. I knew this, but was still surprised. It made such a huge mess. I cleaned most of it up and Boris helped me with the rest.
Yesterday, I actually began to do more serious research. I looked more closely at Mexico and the Philippines as I can only choose one as a case study. I met with Prof. Rueland and he advised me that I can choose Mexico if I feel more comfortable doing so and if I have a cultural affinity to it. Indeed I do. So the topic of my thesis is: "Urban governance and local finance in a globalized world: The case of Mexico". In a short while I will go to KGIV to turn this in to Dr. Welz...Officially!!
I am excited about the prospects and happy that I am not choosing South Africa or even the Philippine, although I am sure both would be very fascinating.
I saw Chris Swader and Pari earlier today. Chris was
with Dan. He invited me to get a coffee, but I declined. I was on my way to see Prof. Rueland. Pari was also waiting to turn in her topic to Dr. Welz and Ari. They were not there.
I came home to meet Matias. We went to buy all of the supplies for the party. By supplies I mean beer and chips! I think we have enough. I hope at least some people show up with something as well, like a bottle of wine.
Tonight, I have German. My class is mixed with Italians, Spanish, a Brazilian and so forth. It is rather interesting!! I wish I had more time to sit and write. I want to write not only about the GSP travels, but also about my day to day thoughts and experiences. I will miss the GSP!! But life goes on and I am sure that we will have a decent network. I hope this idea of starting an 'Alumni group' proposed by Chris Swader is fulfilled. I for one think it is brilliant!
Okay, now I will go turn in my Thesis, then I will go to class and tonight I will go to a concert - Anaparanoia.
Monday, 27 October 2003
My First Blog
I started this page over a week ago now. Until now, I was totally uninspired to write. Now, I am alone.
Today was a busy day with Boris and my roommates. I was a bit disorientated today and last night, as well. My behavior was a bit neurotic -- resembling that of a nocturnal cat. I think it had something to do with the weekend sessions, the locked doors at KGIV, and well, interacting and listening to Internship presentations alllll daayyy long.
At this very moment, ahorita, I am listening to Coldplay. I really like this CD. Better late than never. As I write these words, I wonder if they will ever be read. But still, I think I like the idea of trying to journal regularly and since I am Online so often, it makes sense to blog. I miss my country and family and often feel a bit estranged here in Germany. I must admit that I have been lucky to be placed in a great flat with friendly roommates. Also, although my German is still relatively very bad, it has actually been improving a bit. Tomorrow I will begin a proper course. I also have to see my adviser about my Thesis.
I miss Boris, but have to try to spend a bit less time with him. He is my best company, but I cannot accomplish too much when he is around. We are a bit lazy when together. We like to have fun, watch movies, go out or relax, but I realize I have to try to be a bit more disciplined with my research, as does he. I heard from my sisters today. I have so many tasks and a few decisions ahead. Should I fly back to California for Christmas or New Years? I have to talk to Dr. Welz again about my grade and about the PMI.
I am pretty tired and the music has ended, so I think I will try to go to bed. It is 1:20 am here in Freiburg, Baden-Wuttenberg, Germany. This Friday is Halloween and we will have a party here. I think I will use this as a vehicle to write and think about the last year and 1/2 of the GSP (CA, USA-Freiburg-South Africa-Thailand-Cambodia-CA, USA-India-Washington DC-Bulgaria-Freiburg, Germany).
Tell me about it!
The music is back on and I must go to bed!! Maybe next time I can figure out how to post pictures! Posted by cantina/ericagut at 6:30 PM
