2 more days and back in London

I'm making the most of the Spanish hot weather. I'm been to the swimming pool, I've put on weight (eating lots of fish, jamón serrano, lots of fruit, gazpacho, ajo blanco, etc). And I have worked loads as well. I have just written the conclusions for the dissertation and I only have left the introduction (that's me! doing things the wrong way around!). Never mind, especially because my adviser hasn't even read it yet!!! The deadline is September 3rd, but you know, it's summer time!!!

I've already received my top secret files for Rwanda, with headings saying I can't share it, quoted it, distribute it or publish it. I feel important :)

Pete is already in our new place, he says it's amazing. I can't wait to be there!!! And, best of all, my mum has given me a brand new THERMOMIX to make lovely food. I'm going to be the new Fernand Adriá!!!

Foto de Queen's College Ball

A picture from Queen's College Ball in
Oxford 22nd June
It was amazing!!!

Foto de Queen's College Ball

A picture from Queen's College Ball in
Oxford 22nd June
It was amazing!!!

Londres-Stoke-Londres, uff!

Hola!
Pete y yo no paramos un momento. Desde que llegamos a Inglaterra hemos estado un fin de semana en Londres (celebrando el cumple de Pete), luego una semana en Stoke; luego un fin de semana en Oxford, para Queen's College Ball (un evento que solo ocurre cada 3 anyos, prometo fotos!). Y ahora estamos de vuelta en Stoke, aunque el viernes nos vamos de nuevo a Londres, esta vez una semana, para cuidar el gato de una amiga de Pete que vive cerca de su nuevo colegio.
Pero, ya tenemos internet en casa de los padres de Pete!!! Ya podemos skypearnos!!
Nos vamos a tomar unas pintas al pub... oh, como echamos de menos Berkeley!!

Me han dado la beca!! I've got the grant!!

Hi everyone,

Please, if there is anyone reading this, please, please, reply, because I feel a bit solipsist (if you don't know the meaning look it up in wikipedia).
Well, I have already received my first assignments for Human Rights Watch. 5 e-mails! with 9 documents!!! What's a holiday!! Well, I'm also coming to uni everyday to find new books for the dissertation and to let Pete use the internet...
But the best news is that I got a grant!!! €12000 from an insurance company... (you'll think they would know how to invest their money assessing risks...). Thus, I'll be able to do the masters at LSE!!! I'll have to work, because it doesn't even cover the fees :( But at least, I'll be able to do it.
Last weekend I celebrated my birthday. It was really good fun. I'll attach some of the pictures soon.
Lots of love
Maria

BACK TO REALITY

We have managed to sell most of our stuff. We are almost packed. Zak, Tara, Lisa, Mat and Ana have left after our last potluck in Albany. It seems that the end of our wonderful year in California is very close and we are quite sad.
I have spoken to the person in charged of Human Rights Watch for the fellowship, and although Rwanda seems very unlikely; it seems I'll still get the grant and I will be doing some desk work over in Europe. I really hope I can still go to Rwanda at some point ('me ha picado el gusanillo!).
Thank you very much to everyone who has contributed to make this year so wonderful! We love you!!! and we'll never forget you!
I don't have internet at home, but I'll manage to check my e-mails:)
Besos

Más animales

El cocodrilo de abajo nadaba en la Laguna de Cancún y vino a la orilla del restaurante donde Pete y yo estábamos cenando. Al parecer no era la primera vez que venía (los camareros le tiran comida); pero no os podéis imaginar la impresión que da verle acercarse tan sigilosamente.
El osito de arriba lo vimos en Yosemite en California. Vimos dos oseznos y tuvimos que salir corriendo, porque aún pequños, son peligrosos, y lo peor es que la madre podía estar cerca...