The final sprint begins

Just three weeks left!! And yes, I have to say it in the classic way - 'Crazy how time flies!'
Although it feels like we just arrived, somehow our first days here at KAUST already seem like a long time ago.

The past few weeks have been filled with data analysis and hopefully some writing for a publication. As always, there's more to do than time allows. But we're working hard and doing our best.

Last week, we also had to clean the aquariums from the mussel experiment. It's amazing how much growth there can be in two months in the tropics. I would have finished faster if I hadn't been so fascinated by all the amazing sea squirts, bryozoans, mussels, and other creatures that had settled there.

I have to admit, scraping off and destroying this beautiful micro-world hurts the little biologist's heart a bit ;-) But all the aquariums and structures had to be stored away in the storage room - and you can probably imagine how it smells when you get sentimental during cleaning ;-)

It looks like the important decisions might be made before we come home. I (Susann) had my English test today (my previous one wasn't accepted because it was 'already' 3 years old and they expire after 2 years) and my official interview with the university. I think both went well ;-) Hopefully, Felix will have his interview before we leave as well. We both hope to finally know what's next.
Yes, being in the sun and by the sea might look like a vacation and relaxed life to everyone back home - but trust me, living in uncertainty is not exactly relaxing..
Plus, as already mentioned in various ways, we still have another important matter to take care of and organize ;-)
Yes, indeed - we're getting married ;-)

No, we don't have to. No, we didn't (only) decide to do it because of Saudi. Yes, it was a well-thought-out decision :-)
To make it official, we already have a date (which is not 100% confirmed yet, as it's only reserved and will only be fully confirmed after we've registered everything after our return) - but, on July 14th, there will be something to celebrate ;-)
This year, it will be a small, family celebration - next year (with hopefully a bit more money in our account, but more importantly, more time for planning) there will be a larger party.

That's pretty much all the news for now.
Regards from afar

Felix and Susann