As a German I am used to be on time and like it best when everything goes as planned. But during my stay in Israel this was not always the case, my stay taught me a bit of the Israeli calmness.
But lets start at the beginning of my journey.
I lived in the dorms of the university, together with a very sweet Israeli roommate who welcomed me with open arms from the very beginning. I got to know every one of the working group at my first group meeting. (Sorry guys, that it took me so long to learn the names!) Since it is not usual in Germany to have breakfast together at the weekly meeting and at the same time discuss the different projects in a motivated way, I was totally enthusiastic about it. During the first meeting I got a rough overview of the different projects of the group. Afterwards I could look over Tamar’s shoulder and help her. She led me through the coming weeks very intensively and very well and taught me a lot (from “What are methanogens?” over “What is this smell? – Oh, it’s 5 litres of rumen fluid!” to “Why can’t I see any bands on my DNA gel?”).
While I enjoyed my time in Israel and fell into bed like dead every evening, struck down by the new impressions, the corona virus began to spread further and further across the continents until suddenly, when I had already been in Israel for 10 days, I was told all people from Germany had to go in isolation who had not been in Israel for that long. Luckily for me this meant that I was not allowed to go out for only 4 days, but it was definitely an experience (not one I want to have again!). The whole working group took care of me during these days and I would be provided with enough food (sweets) and social contacts by phone (Thanks Nili <3 ). Luckily the 4 days in isolation were over sooner than expected and I was more than happy to resume my laboratory work. Unfortunately I had to shorten my trip by two weeks due to the virus, because the situation in Israel as well as in Germany was getting worse and worse. However, I have made up my mind to return to Israel, because I have learned to love the country and the people very much, I would like to see the rest of Israel and I would like to return for research, because I was very impressed by the work I was allowed to see and learn. I was able and allowed to take a lot with me from my stay in Israel. Besides the new biological methods I learned, such as the handling of anaerobic microorganisms and the operation of a GC-system, I was able to improve my English, especially as a laboratory language but also in everyday life and I can say that I can now handle stressful situations a little bit better (My flight is cancelled?!?).
Of course I also had time during my stay to explore Israel as a country, so I was able to visit the En Avdat National Park in the Negev desert and was the first time in my life in the desert and also in a canyon, exactly the opposite for me was Tel Aviv, which I could visit around Purim. All in all I was just impressed by the country, because it is so diverse.
I enjoyed my time in Israel and with the working group tremendously and was able to think about what I want for myself and my future through conversations with different people. I am very grateful to everyone and especially to Itzik for giving me the opportunity for my visit.
I will miss you guys!