Day 25: I am mixed race, aren't I?

It was 2am and I finally jumped into bed, ready for my long-awaited sleep. But (and there's always a but) I suddenly realised that I had forgotten to fill in a vital piece of paperwork for my Erasmus exchange in France. It was a form to let both my university and the French university know that I have changed the original modules that I had chosen in December. If I don't fill this in, credits won't be transferred, i.e. it would be as if I hadn't even gone to France and would have to either prolong my degree or fail. I couldn't have slept with this over my head so I slaved away at my laptop until I emailed it to the appropriate academics for signatures. Phew!

Today was the beginning of a new film project for the university's marketing department. Me, my filming partner and a Latvian newly-graduate have to create advertising material to attract and encourage international students to study at this university. This will be a very interesting project because not only are we international students ourselves but we'll also get to travel around Latvia to capture some good footage. My ideal job!

After we brainstormed some ideas for the film, I went for lunch with the Latvian student to get to know her a bit better before we work. Everyone I have met in Latvia so far has some connection to England and she has a relative living there, so that was a great conversation starter! I find it so funny when people ask and then assume where I am from, as if my English accent isn't a big enough clue. According to some, I am Portuguese, Indian, Spanish, of some Arabic descent and American. Not sure where they got these ideas from but I'm quite flattered.

Is this what people see when they look at me?!

Something really strange happened when we were on our way to Hesburger. We were just talking and a man came up beside me and stared me right in the face for at least 10 seconds. I wasn't sure what that was all about. Maybe he was trying to figure out if I was Brazilian or something. Who knows...

In the afternoon, I met with my Estonian friend who had a very good offer for me that I couldn't refuse: becoming the content manager for his website. It will be great to earn a little cash on the side, especially for doing something that I'm good at (and have been partly trained in at university).

I'm sure there was something else I was meaning to say...

Oh yes, I remember! I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY IN FRANCE! Amongst all the happiness and joy, I can't help but think about all the preparation needed before I actually go. Another round of paperwork, packing, procrastination, travel insurance, cheap flights, a bit of sneaky online shopping and a home of some sort. At least I'm a bit more prepared now... bring it on!