IT WAS JUST ANOTHER SATURDAY ...

but when Marko had parked the car and fed the meter ...

he decided to make this day special. He was obviously up to something. But what?

Oh, that looks promising! Unfortunately pictures were forbidden inside this place, but the result ...

is totally worth all the after-care ...

...because it looks awesome!

SCOUT COOKIES!

Another aspect of American culture we only knew from TV shows: Scout cookies! And after Lent (or whenever we break our fasting) we'll tell you how they taste.

WHEN DYNAMIC AND SMART PEOPLE

from the US, China, Pakistan, Japan, Catalonia (not Spain!), Iran, Norway and Austria meet to learn about Second Language Acquisition, the result can only be good. Here's to my favorite class/-mates!

MY HOME IS MY CUBICLE

... and I love it! It's surrounded by nice people (so perfect for socializing instead of working), full of Austrian memories (so perfect for daydreaming instead of working) and has a huge window (perfect for observing people instead of working). My kind of place!

SUNDAYS ARE RUNDAYS

Unfortunately we have lost much of the great shape we were in last summer. But the spring-like temperatures and the beautiful running tracks will make it easy to get back there - at least we hope so!

GO GOPHERS!

How could we neglect this essential part of American college culture? College sports is real fun! Even though the Gopher ladies lost against Wisconsin, it was a nice experience to be there, hang out with friends - and meet our school mascot Goldie.

BABY, WE CAN DRIVE OUR CAR!

YES! FINALLY! It did not go exactly as planned. First, we got great results (97% and 100%) on the written tests, but then, Hanna failed her road test (and was very embarrassed and frustrated). So even though Marko passed, there was no party :-( But now, one week later, we can celebrate together: We are both legal Minnesotan drivers now - and pretty good at parallel parking! YAY!!!

This is the court where it all happened (inlcuding some mean one ways):

The easy part: The written test - the answers are all in this little book.

With so much support ...

... one can't but pass! And get this (a temporary license):
(PICTURE REMOVED)

TIME FOR A BREAK!

in Bordertown's Coffeehouse with Natalija, Lisa and Matthew - looking smart thanks to Natalija's glasses.

新年快樂

A house full of happy people + tons of dumplings = a Happy Chinese New Year! We're so glad we could be part of our dear friends' New Years Party, even if it was just for a short while. Thanks Andie + friends for the invitation! We will definitely try making those dumplings again!

BE MY VALENTINE!

And make me amazing brunch because that's my favorite way of starting a day, and take me to a muscial show ("Fame") because that's my favorite secret passion, and take me to a hip Sushi restaurant because that's my favorite way of ending a day. Thank you, my love! You are wonderful!

WHEN FREETIME IS SCARCE ...

... it is often reduced to TV (in the background). Luckily, American TV has offered some big events lately: the Superbowl and the Olympics in Vancouver. (What are non-sportfans watching??) It's interesting to watch these mega-TV-events from an American perspective: While they make it sound like the whole world watches the Superbowl, we haven't seen any Austrians in downhill races yet - so Austria is not the epicenter of the skiing world?!?!?

WINTER CARNIVAL

The great thing about living in TWINcities is the fact that you get to enjoy the festivities of both places. The winter carnival in St Paul was a veeeeery nice distraction from work and studying. Ice scupltures, giant slides, skating, and above all: friends!









So much action makes you tiiiiired!