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I’ve been lazy over the last months and didn’t post too many news on my exciting time back in Germany (except for what Peter called a whiny discourse on my cable problems). I apologize and start my redemption by a summary post, beefed up with a few pictures I took.

There was big excitement over the Soccer World Cup here in Germany. Not just relating to sports, where the German team surprised the whole country by showing a great team effort and a very professional playing style that led them all the way to 3rd place - far more than the majority expected.
In addition, Germany seems to have found back its’ sense of patriotism, and crafted it in a way that is very inviting and non-xenophobic. Although German flags were omnipresent, it was a big party where every country’s fan could celebrate together with other countries’ fans.

The other three illustrated events were a huge concert I went to in Berlin’s Waldbühne, where I saw Depeche Mode (again), one of the local gay parties themed Porn Star Night and the huge gay pride event in Cologne, where more than a million people had a fun weekend celebrating, partying and rallying for equal treatmen and legislation in all areas of life.

Other than that, I’ve been busy getting settled into my new home, buying the missing pieces of furniture, enjoying the extraordinarily hot summer here (we don’t usually get 90’s temperatures in Germany) and ramping up my social life again - which was also a very pleasant surprise, as after just a few days my absence of 3 years seemed to be completely forgotten by everybody here.