Almost a whole year after moving out, I finally received my damage deposit from Hazelwood Student Accommodation. Wow, I thought this day would never come.

Why are there so many Dubliners in Dublin?

’cause they Dublin and Dublin all the time.

The four Dubliners enjoying the sunshine.

My parents are superheros. We must have seen the whole city twice! Karin & my dad brought the sunshine and they didn’t really get to experience the typical weather. Just a quick shower, but mostly sun. It was great. Every morning I met them at their hotel for breakfast and then we started our day. We explored every corner of the city, went to Howth for a hike and the best fish & chips we’ve ever had, went to markets, and recovered in coffee shops or (let’s be honest) pubs… One evening we watched soccer, but instead of the commentary we listened to Irish music, our eyes & ears had no idea what was going on.

I put them on a bus to the airport yesterday afternoon and felt quite sad. I really enjoyed seeing them more frequently over the last years. We’ll have to find a way to maintain it. Even though I had a couple of tears in my eyes, I had to go to the supermarket since there was no food at home. I nearly cried about everything I saw, because everything reminded me of the fun days with my parents. As I’m in the store, on my way to get the milk, my phone rings (which it never does!): Audrey & Natalia from Malta. I had to lean on the flour and sugar beside me and felt even sadder. But sad in a happy kind of way, because I know such wonderful people. And now I need to go home. I need a hug.

The arrival of May marks the beginning of my last month in Ireland!!! Can you believe it???  I’m heading to the airport to pick up my dad and his wife Karin. We’re going to have a few fantastic & homework-free days together. After all, May 1st is a Holiday in Germany, I shouldn’t be working today anyways.

It looks like Igor and Olivera really, really want us to come to Oslo. Serbian Rakija just waiting for us.

I accomplished something today. Now my dad can come for a visit.

We had another sleep-over at Audrey’s and got to skype with some of our pals in Oslo and Malta. It feels like so long ago that we were all together.

Now I’m working on the findings chapter until I fall asleep tonight, so that on Wednesday I can be a tourist with my dad and Karin.

Martina from the first IMEC cohort had us over for dinner last night. It was a blast. We had so much fun that we didn’t even think about taking photos. Bryndis, also from the first cohort, is visiting Martina this week.  I love when we all manage to get together.

Now I really really need to get some work done, because my dad & Karin are coming to Dublin next week. I just came home from a meeting with my supervisor and am ready to attempt the next chapter of my thesis. Trying to analyse the data and present my findings… Man, I’m confused.

In Hamburg with my dad’s family.

And in Husen with my mom’s family. My cousin Maya’s communion.

And of course some time with nice friends…

I’m so glad I got to spend this week with everyone. It was absolutely amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.