A night with Irene

I just woke up after spending more or less 24 hours, alone, inside my flat. Peaked out the window to gaze the hazardous consequenses from Irene. The only thing I can see is that the tree outside my building has one brench less than yesterday. And there's a HUGE waterpuzz downstairs. 

That's it, at least on my street.

In any case, the weather was crazy last night. At that point I couldn't even see through my window because of the rain. I felt like a cat who refuses to get wet and stayed in doing homework.

There was probably more damage in other Baltimore neighborhoods such as Fell's Point by the waterfront. People have been preparing for days there isolating houses and evacuating people, cars, animals, god knows what. I was a bit worried about my friends down there. 

Then I saw this video. I hope everyone made sure to keep their office papers safe!

(Quick not on a totally different topic: many of you have mentioned that it is impossible to comment on my blog. I finally changed the settings. So, comments please! Då blir jag glad.)

Get clean before Irene

Going back to the motel from sailing, this sign welcomes us. 

Hurricane Irene is approaching. What better opportunity to get a car wash? (Or get the hell out of here).

So. Now we're kind of stuck in between going back to Baltimore where there was an earthquake today. Or stay here and face Irene.
Hjälp.

Two europeans and one american on holiday

I can't believe I survived the last week, but I did. The study pace and climate here is definitely... different... from Sweden. I guess both in a good and a bad way. Good because I learn so many amazing things, bad because the workload is slowly killing me.

A new portion of knowledge delivered in Sommer Hall.

Anyway, finals are are finally over. After spending every hour cramming knowledge into my head, it's time for a break. And since  it's apparently the only break we get until December... better use it wisely.

So now I am in Outer banks, North Carolina with Kristin and Saskia. We're staying a genuine American motel right by the beach and drive around on the highway that divides this very, very nice island into two beach strips (with houses on every side blocking the beach view).

Today we went exploring.

We tried to get a tan on the beach. It rained. So we escaped.

Happy crowd despite the rain. Wearing sunglasses to make the sun come out again. 

We took Kristin's 4-weels for a drive on the beach and almost got stuck.

We saw a lighthouse.

We walked on giant sand dunes. The jumped a bit.

We drove some more. The sun finally came out and we passed out on the beach. Woke up when 3 bulldozers almost ran us down. Here they waste no time making the environment even more built.

Wait... wait... what's blocking the sun? Oh, don't get up. It's  just another  bulldozer.

We had dinner in a surf bar. Surf bars are always the best spots. Within minutes we got offered a free sailing trip tomorrow and a round of beers.

Soon back to reality as courses start Thursday. Then my blogging might be off for some time, again.

And yes, I am still married. Gus left for Key West and is now onboard a research ship for the next 6-7 weeks. Before he left I got a birthday gift that he spent his evenings renovating (!). I don't know which one I love more; my new bike or my (new) husband...?

Waiting to explore Baltimore. I'm a bit scared since I never use a handlebar like this. Looks so professional. 

I'm married! (Yes, to Gustav)

One picture (or in this case, movie) says more than a thousand words.

Wanted!

Having lunch at the 9th floor cafeteria, I found this post at the bulletin board.

Some people post about wanting roommates or furniture. Others post about wanting cocaine users. Love it.

Greatest school of the greatest city in the greatest country

So. I've now been at the wire for more or less 1.5 moths. If you take away the heat, Baltimore is actually growing on me for each day (given the fact that my expectations coming here were z.e.r.o).

I am wondering if these benches displayed everywhere in the city has something to do with it?

It's like they're here to remind me that "hey, not only are you in the greatest country in the world - but the greatest city of the greatest country (America) in the world".  Just in case someone is in doubt. 

Very reassuring.

And that's not it. Not only am I in the greatest city of the greatest country, but at the greatest school of public health in the greatest country. (In Swedish: Lätt att få storhetsvansinne. Jag försöker att hålla mig ödmjuk och mest flyta med i all patriotism).

A few days ago we had a lecture from the greatest professor of the greatest school of... ja.. you get the picture. D. A Henderson - responsible for actually "saving lives - millions at the time" (Hopkins slogan) by eradicating smallpox. I wish I could do something like that. And I also wish I had a table like that.

A living legend at our school signing books for starstruck students. Please note the amazing, lush, table.

Speaking of tables, we now have two of those in our apartments. And two chairs, two sofas and one bed. Two lamps.... and... 4 pillows. Not bad, ey? Gus has been working hard. However,  he doesn't seem to have trouble finding things to do when not shopping for furniture. I'm glad someone gets to experience vacation and sightseeing in Baltimore.

A prospective add to our apartment decoration?  I think the landlord said "no pets".