I'm a mum....

If all faculties looked like this, then perhaps thought of skipping class would never cross my mind. Or at least would cross it less often.


What I love about Spain. Or rather the lab (because Im not sure if this is country wide yet) is the fact that I get there at 9.05am panting heavily, kicking myself for being late because I slept that extra 10 minutes, only to find that I am the second to arrive.

In general the atmosphere is very relaxed, which is characteristic of Spain. The day starts at 9, which I have figured is just arrival time, because the actual work starts at 10 when my supervisor is done with her coffee. (Im not complaining) The project we are working on in the lab involves nucleoside transporters (wikipedia would be good right about now) To tone it down a little, the research carried out is ultimately beneficial in diagnosing the causes of some disease states, in determining drug treatment and the effects that drugs have on cells,genes, interacting proteins and the brain/central nervous system. Their main work is aimed at anti cancer therapy which I am enjoying a lot because this is what I really wanted to learn about. Each of the 16 people in the lab is working on a different part of the project but hey are al interlinked in some way. A typical day consists of separating and analysing proteins, maintaining cells lines, DNA and perhaps the random Spanish lessons from my labmates: these lessons seem to be a source of great joy for some of them either because of the erroneous sounds I make trying to pronounce words, or the expressions and actions that I use when I try to associate the words In any case, we are having a great time.

So... Im a new mum:) Babies already... (Yes I was paying attention during the talk Larissa :) ) One of the greatest things about this internship so far is that I have been growing and maintaining cells. I have had the opportunity of seeing and working with breast cancer cells, pancreas cells, skin cells and kidney cells. This week I had the chance to grow and maintain my own cell samples and I was so overwhelmed I adopted them all. If anybody is interested in being a godparent, or if youd like the opportunity to be an aunt or an uncle, I have about a million vacancies... literally. (They are growing very well and the phrase, 'oh they grow up so fast' just took on a whole new meaning')

The lab is in a great location along the most important street in the city. It is easily accessible and there is a museum right across the street (convenient for the tourist in me) The museum is actually located at the heart of one of the most beautiful parks/gardens I have ever seen. (Which doesnt say much because I havent been to very many parks.... but if I were to take a guess.. Id say this is some good quality gardening)

My apartment in a really central location about 10 -15 minutes metro from all the tourist spots. I have a huge room.... lots of space and fresh air.. which is good right about now in this heat.