Bicycle rides and friendly smiles

The last three days, due to logistical reasons and the fact that the weather allowed it, I have been going to work by bike. It is a nice 20-minute ride one-way, mostly downhill on the way there with a small gentle climb at the end, and, accordingly, a slightly longer climb on the way back, but still around 20 minutes long. After so many months of staying at home or just driving out for the occasional shopping, this has been a welcome change, but I am embarrassed to admit that my back side was a little sore yesterday for the lack of practice sitting on the saddle. Luckily, the situation was already better today.

Photo: PxHere

Apart from the physical exercise, which is always welcome, the other aspect of the bike ride that I appreciate the most is meeting people. When you drive the car the whole architecture of the vehicle is designed to isolate you (mainly to protect you) from the outside, but in the bicycle the situation is completely different. On the one hand you are physically exposed, no only to the potential dangers, but to the elements in general: the wind touches your skin and ruffles your clothes, you can smell the flowers or feel the humidity emanating from a nearby park. And you are also very visible to the passers-by. It is just in my nature, but whenever another bike rider or a pedestrian waiting catches my eye I cannot avoid smiling and them. Call it a random act of kindness if you want. Some people just keep staring at me as if I were crazy, but many choose to smile back, and I love it! Charlie Chaplin is frequently quoted as the author of the aphorism: "A day without laughter is a lost day". I do not aim as high as the genius comedian and hope only for a daily smile, but these things really make my day.

Today the conference was finished with a lot of work done and great progress in coordination of the space observations. It is never an easy feat, but with most of the parties ready to make compromises (and others coerced into it), the meeting can be deemed a success. As usual it is a pity that we still cannot do this in person, because looking each other in the eye makes the job much easier, even if you have to first acknowledge the feelings of the counterpart (much more vivid in person) and then try to find an agreement.

Tomorrow I will attend the thesis defense that was rehearsed a few days ago. Hopefully, she has reduced the content of the presentation significantly and she will get shining marks, which is what she deserves. I will keep you posted of the outcome.Cheers!