As part of my PhD, I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Germany and undertake research at the University of Bayreuth. Last year, I was able to celebrate Easter and my birthday here, and now I'm here for my favourite holiday of all: Christmas!
Here's a few of the things I'm most grateful for this Christmas:
Beautiful sights & Christmas lights
I've been dreamin' of a white Christmas ❄️🎵 Unfortunately it was a little too warm (somewhere between 3 and 10 degrees celsius) on Christmas Day, but it's actually snowing as I write this! It's cold and beautiful and the festive lights and decorations everywhere look amazing! Truly feels like a winter wonderland ⛄
Shortbread, chimney cake, pavlova, chocolate crepe!
It's no secret that I have a sweet tooth. All my friends in Bayreuth know about my "second stomach" which can always fit in dessert... So it's no surprise really that I've had lots of delicious treats at the Christmas markets, some amazing home-made Christmas cookies, and a specially made Aussie pavlova on Christmas Eve thanks to Katrin!
Feeling at home away from home
I have a big family back home in Perth, and it was hard to be away from everyone for my favourite family holiday, but luckily my Mum came all the way here to visit me for a couple weeks! I'm so so grateful to the wonderful people here in Germany who welcomed Mum and I into their homes and made us feel like part of their families. I look forward to returning the favour one day when you all visit Perth! 😊
To all my friends and family, and to anyone reading, I hope you had a wonderful festive season. Best wishes for a happy new year!
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