...I went to a birthday party last night for someone at the Institute; there were around 12 people there, and I believe the final tally was 9 countries being represented- that's even more international than the parties I went to at Wits. The number of languages being thrown around was, as a rule, many fewer than 9; mostly it was German and English, with some French and Spanish thrown in, but it was definitely an interesting night.

Now that I'm on my own in my apartment, I'm finally getting properly settled; tomorrow I'll work on moving all my clothes from the drawers in the living room to those in the bedroom. I've noticed that Germans, like many Europeans, don't believe in sheets, which is really perplexing. There is a bottom/fitted sheet, and then a heavy comforter. And that's it. And while it's been cool, it IS still summer. So, for the moment I'm actually using my sleeping bag, which is a sheet on one side and a light weight blanket on the other side. I suppose I really ought to get myself to the store to find a proper sheet, though, presuming such things even exist here.

I continue to be impressed with how environmentally conscious people are here, and how good they are about sorting their trash (there may be heavy fines if you don't do it properly??)- they even compost at the university; but I guess part of this is because Tubingen is currently run by the Green Party. Speaking of being green, I need to figure out where the composting box for my house actually is- might be time to explore the yard, which is a bit of a jungle, with plants every which-a-where...