Extremely grateful to be invited to Thessaloniki in the midst of winter by George Mosialos to give a plenary lecture at the annual meeting of the Hellenic Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Not only was it a dream to be away from the cold in Germany, but also the selection of invited speakers (my talk was paired with Michael Hall!), the first class treatment and the gorgeous location were absolutely worth the trip. Only downside: some talks were in Greek, which is not my strongest language 🙂

This time around we went to the Christmasmarket around the corner from Viktualienmarkt, where they have a record-winning-sized cauldron with Feuerzangenbowle (flaming fire tongs punch, basically mulled wine laced with rum and caramelized sugar). Very tasty and interesting lighting, but lacking in vegetarian food options. I had to leave early because I had a little companion with me who got cold…unfortunately, no Feuerzangenbowle for her to keep her warm 🙂

We had to say fare-well to Tabitha at her defense in July, but for Simone we needed to be extra and celebrate her thesis and her moving on in several stages! One good-bye dinner at Moti Mahal in Martinsried, one more lunch at her very last day in the lab and the final celebration will be when she returns to defend her thesis sometime early next year. Until then have a happy start at the MRC in Cambridge! May the mighty mitochondria always be with you!