On German invitations

If you ever happen to find yourself invited to a German party, remember to turn up at least half an hour before the time on the invite. It doesn’t matter what kind of event it is. Birthday, Barbecue, Leaving do. In the last couple of weeks, I have been late to 3 different “occasions” despite […]

On broken glass and freedom

Yesterday I cleared my workshop of almost every trace of my existence. I say ‘almost’, because I left my ex-colleague something to remember me by: This is a box of broken glass bigger and heavier than you can move around easily, and less substantial than it would need to be to pick up and pour […]

On molecules and foreigners in the workshop

Earlier this week: My soon-be-ex-colleague is sitting at a table with 2 or 3 others drinking beer. I’m at my work bank, making prettifull molecules* for a couple of people who have just graduated/completed their PhDs. An Indian customer comes in with a box of glassware to be repaired. He officially ‘belongs’ to a different […]