Yesterday was a good day. It started with my getting an award from my employers for going above and beyond the call of duty to help finish a big report. I got a gift certificate to any one of several nice restaurants in the city. The main thing is the validation, though. Ever since I heard these awards were given out, I dreamed of getting one.Then after work, I took the train to Gouda (yes, of the cheese; though, better known in Holland these days for tensions with the immigrant population). I went to a book presentation for a prominent conservative commentator. All the more right-leaning members of the youth division of my political party were there. It was great to see them and chat.
The event was held in the beautiful St. Janskerk, a church from 1552. I've noticed that the Dutch tend to be much more comfortable hosting 'secular' events in churches than Americans. I think it's a great idea. Old churches are much more attractive settings for gatherings than the firehalls and high school auditoriums that Americans seem to prefer.
There's just one problem with medieval churches. They are very, very COLD. I was chilled to the bone. The event, I'm sorry to say, was poorly organized. We started half an hour late. There were far too many speakers packed into the schedule (and they were all politicians so let's just say their remarks were not concise). Despite the cold and the lateness of the hour, the organizers insisted on going through with the scheduled Q&A at the end. The group I was sitting (and shivering) with in the back tried to end the event early after the second question by applauding loudly, but the organizers were having none of it.
That was unfortunate, but I can't complain. I slept well through the night so I don't think I've contracted pneumonia. And I had a great time. I've decided to join the vormingscommissie of the youth division. That's a committee that organizes events intended to provoke discussion and reflection (versus the other committees that organize rallies, write policy propsosals etc). I talked with the committee chair last night and the first meeting is Tuesday. So more fun, more politics and, hopefully, more blogging to follow soon.
