Seeing:

* the inside of the Hamburg Welcome Center, as I renewed my residence permit this morning. What could be a horrifying bureaucratic experience is always quick and efficient at this special office for visiting researchers and students. Needless to say, I’m a big fan.

Hearing:

* audio files of the interviews we have conducted for my research. Some of the stories really make me feel like losing faith in humanity, but I guess that is precisely why I am doing the work I am doing.

Smelling:

* humid summer air.

Tasting:

* wine and cheese on the banks of the Alster while enjoying the evening summer sun.
* Gorilla coffee, thanks to a birthday shipment of beans from Suzanne!

Feeling:

* a developing sore throat that I am attempting to drown in vitamin C and zinc.
* a heartfelt wish that the world would be nicer to my friends and loved ones. C’mon, we’re good people!