Will this ever stop? I reckon by now I’ve came across more woodlice than nice women, which is really a disgrace. This combination of woodlice (good that I finally know how they are called in English, I am afraid I will need that one frequently), gnats and caterpillars is driving me crazy. Do you know that state of mind, where you skins itching and you constantly feel as if something's crawling over your skin or in your hair. Please come, come my dear winter, come my beloved frost, come as soon as possible and kill all these monsters! Yesterday I reached the next level of grossness. I was lying in bed, about to sleep, just typing a few things into the laptop – and suddenly that woodlouse crawls over my blanket close to my pillow! Yuck! Where for God’s sake did that come from? I didn’t throw it onto the wall but into the toilet, but who knows, maybe that counts as well and a beautiful princess will be waiting in the bathroom?

Talking about pests (nooo, just kidding) yesterday I had my first encounter with a Canadian Jehovah’s Witness. I was making my way to work, completely lost in thoughts, when suddenly – similar to the caterpillars in the tree, although more friendly – this man was in front of me and asked me whether he could give me some information. I told him he could, but that I wouldn’t convert to Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Title “When Terrorism Ends” sounded quite promising, however, nothing of that “See, this a sign that the end is near. Convert to us or you will be doomed” – stuff which they usually contain. Instead it was a surprisingly reasonable and humanitarian approach. Beside “The Bible’s Viewpoint. What was the Original Sin?” (even that was rather tame) the pamphlet also featured an article for youths “How can I control my spending” as well as completely secular topics such as the development of photography. No worries, I still have no inclination whatsoever to convert, however it seems, that Jehovah’s Witnesses here pursue a more moderate line compared to those at home. At least in concern of the content of their pamphlets, which seems strange, because I used to think that that it is all centrally managed from the Watchtower Society and, therefore, the contents should be the same everywhere? Whatever.

During lunchtime I watched Germany vs. Poland together with Sylwia and Alicja, the two Polish members of the Institute. Unfortunately the result wasn't exactly what we had hoped for but there’s still a glimpse of hope (at least until tomorrow morning) for Poland – and a glimpse of hope that Germany might still be kicked out, but honestly, wouldn’t it be too sad, if the host would leave the tournament at such early a stage? No really, they should reach the next round – and there suffer a crushing defeat versus England, which I would love to celebrate in the Elephant and Castle. Maaaan!

Actually I was also planning to write about my latest experiences in EEI (Exploring European Identities), this time about Poland. Unfortunately the library will already close in 20 minutes and that’s not enough to structure my thoughts. So maybe tomorrow..