Hello world

As is customary, an introduction into the cyber sphere is in order. Here we are, August 2017. We find ourselves in spaces we never thought we would occupy in many cases with an unfortunate few that are exactly where they were 12 months ago. As for myself, I was a masters student in Pretoria, South Africa just before all of the strikes for #feesmustfall began, disrupting the fourth quarter at all of the universities across the country for the second year in a row. I was preparing my work for a local genetics conference as well as working towards compiling my final dissertation. I knew then that I couldn't realistically sign up for a PhD in Pretoria, or SA for that matter, and be satisfied with my life's decisions. Instead I packed my life into some suitcases, sold many of my possessions, and made my way across the equator to Germany to pursue the next piece of paper in my field in Germany a week ago. I made the decision months ago and bought the ticket in March without a job prospect, fully willing to do any odd job to make ends meet. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to commence my PhD at a wonderful institute. I travel with Batbag and document our travels on Instagram in short snippets- our account is under the same username that is used here, so do give us a look and a like!

This brings me to the purpose of this blog. I aim to detail my travels and experiences in a new part of the world- a world far more wonderful than I could have imagined 12 months ago. These travels will feature Batbag and a variety of stories and anecdotes of experiences that cross my path. I will also decipher often difficult to read scientific papers from the biological sciences in a more user-friendly manner. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for these papers, please let me know and I will get around to them as soon as possible!

I look forward to contributing to the community and hearing from you!

A quick look at Batbag before departure from the sunny South Africa a week ago

Until next time,
L