Last Thursday was the Ascension bank holiday in Germany and on Friday I had a company-enforced bridging day. This time, the local schools had chosen not to allocate one of their moveable bridging days to the Friday, meaning that I had the morning to myself whilst the others were at school.
I read (continuing my sci-fi run, on which more below), enjoyed a coffee (Tricolate brew), listened to some podcasts (The Rest Is Politics, and some of Drilled, about the oil industry) and did some housework (the kitchen). It wasn’t a particularly constructive morning, but it was pleasant.
That book, The long way to a small, angry planet, by Becky Chambers, which I finished, was an interesting one for me, with a very different tone to what I usually go for. It is much lighter, with much silly - but believable, realistic - banter between the various species and characters, which is often lacking in sci-fi. Here, it clearly positions the crew of the Wayfarer as a typical, mid-to-low-level, galactically useful (they run a hyperspace tunnel borer) but “unimportant” team, rather than ever-serious but humourless leaders, plotters or heroes. The big topics that it contains - speciesism, populism, modding and hacking biologies, aggression and love - rather obviously reflect back onto current societal issues, but are handled - in keeping with the overall tone - with that lightness that I initially found grating, but which I was able to grow into as the book developed. Overall, it was fine, but I didn’t find myself splashing out on Chambers' next book in the series. Another time, perhaps.
On Sunday we visited the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Fest at the Heidelberg Airfield. This used to be a huge deal back in the days when American barracks were dotted throughout the city. Now, it just felt like any old fair, though the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel were good. But, it was (like the [Street Food festival](Sebastian Abbott - Curmudgeonly at the Street Food Festival (micro.blog)) from last week) way too loud for my tastes. We didn’t feel like sampling the food there, either, so headed home for a light lunch.
I have to admit, though, the small but fine collection of old American cars was pretty cool, with some fantastic design elements - though they are a stark reminder of how far cars have come since the 1960s.
We had our own barbequeue with friends later in the day.
The final topic that naturally keeps bubbling up in my mind is of course work, and the impending assumption of responsibilities in my role in the Smart Innovation team. I’m continuing to build my network, tuning my antennae to internal political hotspots and learning how the various teams deal with challenges. Slowly and surely, and well supported by my boss, I’m getting prepared for full immersion over the coming months. For now, though, the culture still looks like a great fit, and I’m still motivated to really get going soon.
