Sunday Morning Thoughts – July 14, 2024

The world has gone bonkers.

Woke up to the news of an assassination attempt on Trump. Never great – but 6 AM was a bit early to deal with that. Headlines gave a weird impression. A video of what happened raised more questions than it answered. And now Biden is somehow responsible. Seriously, I can’t do this early Sunday morning. I just can’t.

This might be a shorter one today, because … the sun is out. I can see only blue skies. We all know this won’t last. So, I’m thinking a walk might be a good idea. Only problem with that is that I’m really behind on my book. It’s starting to stress me – a lot.

I know I don’t have an actual deadline. Still, I need to get this done or I will never finish it. Also, I might want to go check out the hilly part of the Netherlands. I loved Limburg last time I was there. Maastricht sounds like a good historic place to visit. I made a deal with myself that I will only travel once my book is finished. Good plan, but I need to really push hard to achieve it.

Emotional week for many reasons. I signed my first painting because I was giving it away as a present. Got really emotional doing it. Signed it on the back as not to disturb the image. It was the first painting I did with a specific person to gift it to in mind. Felt good and emotional. This might be my new go-to present for people.

I went to another art class yesterday. This was on how to use spatulas for painting. Specifically for acrylic painting. I learned so much. Also, that people can’t seem to agree on what those things are called. I initially called it a spatula, but the teacher didn’t understand me. I then checked the packaging of the ones I bought and it said “painting knives”. And then there’s palette knives too. Whatever they are called – it might also depend on the materials/colors used – they are great fun. So interesting to just try out stuff.

This is an original @Lüthy - you saw it here first.

I had an appointment in Basel and went back to Cinnamood on the way home. I knew I was gonna see family later that night so I got a bunch for them too. So so good!

Apple, Bueno, Standard and Strawberry cinnamon rolls.

Bit annoyed that the main train line between Aarau and Basel is disrupted (they are doing some maintenance work), but it’s a planned disruption and just makes your journey a tiny bit longer with a change of trains in Olten. Not a big deal just a matter of convenience.

On the way home I was on a train that also travels to Italy and Germany. I was reminded that we all have different power outlet. My mind was primed to noticing the different outlets by seeing American tourists post about needing a plug adaptor for Europe. The “a” is possible if you get one that has all different types in it, but they really meant that there is just one type of plug across Europe. I actually checked and bookmarked this on Friday. So, here is an overview of the types of power outlets you will find across Europe.

Type C is very common and will serve you well across Europe. Also type F is pretty common. Unless you’re going to places like the UK, Ireland or Malta. For two pin plugs that is. When it comes to three pin ones it gets more complicated. Check out Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We’re the only ones in Europe using Type J. We like to be different. This also means that if I’m bringing my laptop abroad I have to make sure that I have the correct plug adaptor for it. And this is why we have two different power outlets on newer cross-border trains.

Focus on the shapes - ignore the dirt.

Actually, looking at it more closely. Both of them are okay for Type C – and the bottom one looks like it’s also for the three pin Italian plugs. Only just noticed that. The bottom one also works for Type F. I don’t know why, but this makes me happy.

One more thing when it comes to traveling. Could somebody explain to me how the 24-hour clock still confuses certain people? Granted we grow up with it here but is it really that complicated? I know I use AM and PM when writing because my mind is set to (American) English but is it really that confusing?

Now rethinking the structure of my book because you might have to add 12 to find the next chapter … and this will make sense to like one of my readers who got a glimpse of the structure.

And why are we still calling it “military time”. Isn’t that like “18 hundred” for 6 PM? That’s something we would never say. In German it’s 18 Uhr (literally 18 o’clock). I just find the 24-hour clock more logical when it comes to traveling. Less room for error and confusion. In everyday spoken language we do use 6.15 for both 6.15 and 18.15. I mean most of the time it’s clear what we mean. If I send somebody a message I’d say 18.15. Mostly because if I’m meeting somebody I usually arrive by train or bus and will just tell them my arrival time.

This is an actual question I have. I’ve seen too many travel posts byAmericans being confused by “military time” when it’s just the 24-hour clock that most of Europe uses because it makes sense.

The picture I’m using as a cover picture for this newsletter is from last Tuesday. I got in an early morning walk because I was working from home.

If you’re watching the Euro 2024 final later – I hope it’s a good game for you. Not sure how many people care who wins at this point. The consensus seems to be – very undeserved final two.

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.