A collection of random thoughts, observations, and curious facts from the last two weeks.

PSA: today i learned my first swear/dirty word in Luxembourgish! As expected, it was from a guy who thought it was hilarious. Quickly balanced by women eagerly teaching me every day words, like yes, how are you etc. 

I got freaked out by water sounds, until I realized it was the dishwasher i started before bed. 

 

Stopped at a place on my way home, and bought a loaf of delicious crusty sourdough. Eating the crust with olive oil, and the center with Irish butter. Amazing. 

Missing my empty evening hangout babies. I pass the "diggers" on the way to the bus every day and think of them. 

Have you ever done laundry via google translate? Last week I figured out which was the washer and which was the dryer. They both had slots that looked like they were for detergent, and one was too high for me too see. My gracious colleague informed me it was a condensate collection tray for the dryer. Today, I used Google translate to ensure I was using the correct detergent, and didn't bleach all my clothes. So far, success. 

I always see piles of NY Yankees merch when I travel. But today I saw a Las Vegas Raiders. Kinda nice to switch it up. Maybe one day I'll see a Cleveland Browns...

The problem with knowing 2 French words and saying them perfectly is everyone assumes I then speak French. I do not. 

I purchased this lychee flavored sparkling water, and it is incredible. 

I don't know why Europeans believe in hiding the refrigerator in the wall paneling. Everyone has one, there's nothing to be ashamed off! Also, the refrigerators are at least half the size of an American one. 

Today, three different busses didn't come. It was crazy annoying. My colleague reminded me to be grateful, as they are all free. But I'm still annoyed because then I had to hustle to make my appointments on time. 

I should have packed some throw rugs in my air shipment. All these hard wood floors are annoying. At least I had the presence of mind to pack my slippers in my suitcases. 

I don't know if I'll ever figure out the key and locks on the doors here. They are so random and weird. Also the doorknobs don't turn really. You use the key to open them. 

So many of these doors open the "wrong way". I definitely look and feel like an idiot every time I'm pushing on a door that would be push in the states. (update: my student told me that's because they are designed to open in the fastest escape route possible, which makes sense. but it is still weird). 

Ate a leftover sandwhich from an office lunch. There is plain butter on this bread, not the mayo I thought it was. 

"As you are high ranking" you aren't eligible for overtime. Told to me in an HR meeting. Lookout world. 

Another leftover office lunch. Salmon on the pizza... actually tasted better than I thought. 

Pizza: perhaps I'll make a fortune introducing them to the pizza cutter. No pizza is ever cut at the restaurant, you cut it as you take it. Or eat it. Which does help if you don't want to eat the crust (totally saw someone cut a piece filled with toppings). 

Amazing tiny desserts are to be had as leftovers in the office. The pistachio sweets here are to die for.