Tribble’s Tribbles
Posted on October 22, 2011 Posted by John Scalzi 14 Comments
This is Conrad Tribble, the US Consul General in Munich, and yes, those are tribbles that he is holding and/or wearing, proving that he has a good sense of humor about his name. Consul General Tribble and his wife Christina were gracious enough to hold a brunch today in my honor, which was attended by science fiction fans, academics, journalists and also some folks in the film world here in Germany. It was interesting group of folks, and by request, I also did a reading from Redshirts — a different chapter than I read the night before since there were a couple of the same people there. Later on I also played the ukelele, as Consul General Tribble just happened to have one in the house. It’s not every day you get to play the ukelele for one of the top American diplomats in Germany, especially one who is himself a musician. I don’t think I embarrassed myself too much.
In any event, a terrific time with terrific people. And now I’m back at my hotel, out of the suit I wore to the brunch, and about to walk out into Munich to do a little sight seeing. I leave the country tomorrow, back to home. As noted before it’ll be sad to go, but I’ll be happy to see my wife and child.
Tomorrow is a long day of travel (A nine hour flight to the US, a ridiculously long layover in Philly, and then a late flight home); depending on events, I may not update at all tomorrow. In which case I’ll catch up with you all on Monday.
Update: 11:15pm (Germany): The Munich Consulate has updated its page with pictures from the brunch and last night’s event.
Your trip updates have made me jealous. I’m glad you had such a good time, and I hope I get to have a fabulous time there myself someday.
I send good vibes to the travel gods for your safe and not-to-stressful return trip.
Don’t you hate when you see a typo just when you’re hitting the post button?
It was a pleasure to meet you and I’m really looking forward to Redshirts. I’ll read it in the English original because I don’t want to wait for it to be translated. By the way, the name of the little tribble with long white hair on Conrad Tribbles shoulder is “Einsein” ;-)
John, had I only known this was on your itinerary, I’d have taught the words and music to yIH bom (aka, the Tribble Song, in Klingon, naturally).
If you’d like to some company to break up your layover in Philadelphia, give me a shout, I’d be more than happy to come out and see you.
Lawrence
Sounds like fun! I’m a little confused about the whole state visit/diplomat thing. If you could explain some time how a science fiction writer came to be on that kind of a trip, I would be interested to know.
At first I read “hold a brunch” as “hold a bunch” (as in tribbles), and had a very amusing picture in my head for a few moments, before realizing my error.
Depending on your gates in Philly, you can buy day passes for the USAir Club (use the one in B/C if not flying first class, Best food is Chickie and Petes in C Terminal, have the Crab Fries.
“ridiculously long layover”=airport blog post. Just saying.
I second the Chickie and Pete’s recommendation! Although Crab Fries are just okay, imo. Pork Sammich though….mmmmm.
Or Legal Seafood between B & C.
I’m heading to Houston tomorrow afternoon from PHL (Terminal B, I think). You have been warned! ;-)
Wow, that’s just… weirdly awesome. Tribbles and ukeleles.
Yes – Scalzi is indeed a man of many talents . . .
With best wishes,
– et –
Isn’t that the same tie as earlier? You know, you can get some beautiful Ermenegildo Zegna or XMI ties for cheap on eBay. :-)
John, the tribbles photos make noticeable your slimmer profile. You look positively healthy!
My maternal Grandmother’s maiden name was Tribble. It amused my Grandfather to no end when “The Trouble with Tribbles” aired…not that he was a fan of Star Trek, but he LOVED the title of that particular episode!