Sweating instead of Christmas market ;-)

So, the second month is almost over :) Time flies, on one hand, a lot is happening - and we are always on the go.

But this morning I noticed that while we have already reported 'where' we live, we haven't mentioned 'how'.
So here are a few photos :) Felix and my apartment looks almost identical (just mirrored ;-)) at least I think so - we can only rely on each other's description for the area outside our rooms. Although visiting each other works quite well (just sneak in through the terrace door), we prefer not to go into each other's apartments (we don't want to disturb the sleeping dogs).

1. Photo: The row of apartments where our houses are (Felix's is the second from the left, Susann's is at the far right of the picture)
2. and 3. Photo: The common area - living room and open kitchen
4. Photo: Susann's room

Last weekend we went snorkeling again :) Freediving is getting better and better - although we have also decided to finally have a proper training session in the pool here. But it's amazing how quickly you get into shape, or into training.

Next time we definitely have to bring my bottom-timer to know the depth ;-)

On the way to the reef, we even saw a larger group of dolphins swimming ahead of the boat for a while! :-D

In addition, we went out with the 'Green Group' (a self-organized student group that is involved in many different projects at the university - all with the goal of becoming a more environmentally friendly community). On Saturday morning, we drove to Thuwal (the nearest town directly adjacent to the KAUST campus) for a 'Beach Cleanup' and collected litter on the beach together with local fishermen and students. It was fun, but also an... let's say 'interesting' experience.

It's quite strange that Islam places such a strong emphasis on cleanliness - but in real life, people shamelessly throw their trash everywhere. In Thuwal, there are plenty of fish restaurants and (especially on weekends) there's a lot going on, people buy their food there, sit outside together - and when they leave, they just leave all their trash behind.

It was especially disgusting at the 'beach' because despite all the garbage, they would lie in the sun, swim, and spend the day with their families there. And all this in an environment that not only looks like a landfill but also smells like one.. :-(

The action will continue there in the future - and we also want to visit other projects of the Green Group - it's also a good and pleasant way to meet new people (also outside of marine biology).

BeachCleanup in Thuwal

Finally, Felix had his 24-hour survey this week - quite a crazy and exhausting action :) But what wouldn't we do for science?!
(Currently, he is catching up on his well-deserved sleep) - a more detailed report will therefore only be available in the next few days - and then also first-hand ;-)

Tailoring in the open-plan office ;-)

Tomorrow we will go diving again - this time on a boat trip from Jeddah. We are very excited - most likely we will also visit a wreck. So there will be many underwater pictures again next week :)

Until then, have a mulled wine for us,

Felix and Susann

PS: Looking at the weather forecast for Jeddah, it's quite surreal to imagine that you are starting to go to the Christmas market at home :)

Weather forecast for the next few days - not exactly 'Christmassy'