Swept away

I was woken up early by someone sweeping with gusto in the neighbouring compound. The jazzy tiles of the said compound are pictured here.

I ploughed through my most important tasks. Even though it’s somewhat futile thanks to the omnipresence of WhatsApp, these days I am rabid about not having anything bother me whilst on leave. It takes a militant approach to get anywhere near clearing the decks, but I achieved some mild success.

A curveball was that through the day some of us were taken to view a new office space that we may move into from October. Very varied feedback from colleagues although I didn’t have a strong opinion. The current office is very partitioned and the new one would encourage more organic interaction, collaboration and efficiency. For that reason, I am in favour.

People like to get perfume from Europe so I have received several requests. I am likely to return smelling like a fragrance counter, but it will all be part of the fun.

After work in rush hour the traffic to the airport was carnage, but I made it. For the third year in a row I indulged in some junk food at an unsociable hour whilst I waited for departure. Gotta keep the traditions alive.

Other airport updates:

• I waved enthusiastically at someone from a partner organisation who I’d met with not long ago, who didn’t appear to recognise me and so blanked me. Awkward.
• I sent off a final document after which I considered my work ‘over and out’ for the next two weeks. Satisfying.
• I observed that white people will often be very panicky at security and hold their passport open and arm outstretched when they are 15 places back in the line. No milliseconds must be lost. Over-zealous.
• I noted the skill of the Dutch cabin crew endlessly having to enquire whether people were Dutch or English speakers. Hard to distinguish as they moved through the cabin, and slickly done.