‘I love being outdoors in nature’
Summer brings both movement and stagnation to our private and professional lives, with its fair share of positives and negatives. There's plenty of sunshine and open-air swimming pools, but also sweltering loft flats and offices. There are long queues outside ice-cream parlours, but also a demanding exam period and traffic jams on the motorways. In the summer series “Summer, Sun, Cactus”, members of the University of Münster describe their relationship with the warmer months by answering a questionnaire. The results are not strictly scientific, but they are light-hearted. Part 8 comes from Sandhra Ganesh, who is from India. She is a PhD student at the International Research School for Battery Chemistry, Characterisation, Analysis, Recycling and Application (BACCARA). Like all participants, she poses for the camera with the eponymous cactus from our Botanical Garden.
Which three words would you use to describe summer?
Sun, enjoyment and happiness.
According to a survey, 44 per cent of Germans say that summer is their favourite season. So the warm season is certainly no hidden gem. Are you one of them, or do you think summer is overrated?
I like summer in Europe too, especially after the long wait for the sun and the trees to turn green – and I come from a place where it's sunny almost all year round. Winter felt a bit strange at first, but I'm used to it now. I think it's lovely to see people sitting outside enjoying their coffee and doing outdoor sports in the sunshine. I much prefer the sunny weather to the short winter days.
Where do you like to spend the summer most?
I like spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature. At the moment, my favourite activity is playing football with my team at Sentruper Höhe – it's a lovely, spacious place with lots of trees and a walking path. I also like the Botanical Garden in Münster and the area around Schloss Münster. The Aasee is also one of my favourite spots for a walk.
Is there one thing you'd definitely like to do this summer?
Relax on a beach with a cool cocktail.
What is your favourite summer memory?
During the school holidays, my friends and I went boating on a hot day, waiting patiently for a bite. Suddenly, a soft, cool breeze picked up – who would expect that in the middle of summer while sitting on a lake with fancy fishing rods? Within seconds, it started pouring with rain and got really windy. The boat rocked wildly from side to side, and we were all told to lie down. The wind went crazy and even swept some of our things off the bridge pillar into the lake. Amazingly, it was all over in five minutes, and after such a hot day, the temperature suddenly plummeted. It was a crazy experience, and I thought of it as soon as I read this question.
How does summer affect your work at the University of Münster?
We do group activities such as strawberry picking, football and hiking, all of which are great in summer. We also take a summer trip as a group. So we're really looking forward to the season.
Which part of the university do you associate with summer?
I associate it with Sentruper Höhe because lots of people go there in the summer and we play football there too.
How do you cope with hot days at work?
It's really tough. I drink lots of cold water with lime and ice — sometimes with mint — and I avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day. When it's very hot, I sometimes spray water on my face. I also have a fan in my office and keep the shutters closed all day, leaving the door open to let in some air.
What are you looking forward to once summer is over?
Christmas, when I can visit lots of Christmas markets and drink Glühwein. Christmas is such a lovely, happy time when everything is beautifully decorated and people are enjoying the festivities. The warm Glühwein on a cold winter's night and the little fire pits next to the stalls make it even more special.