The Division of Finite Systems this year decided to hold a series of seminars in the beautiful Sächsisch Sweiss (Swiss Saxony). The seminar sessions, which took place between 23rd Feb and 25th Feb, consisted twenty-four half-hour talks on a wide range of topics in the physics of complex finite systems, all contributed by members or associated members of Finite Systems. A program is available here.

It all took place in a cottage-like hotel called "Margaretenhof" (Margaret's Inn). During these three days, we saw some very interesting and stimulating talks and discussions on Physics, and what is more - there were plenty of fun. Here are some of the highlights.

The legendary chess player Thomas finally agreed to give a few public matches based on an undisclosed financial reward. As we can see from the photo above, many were amused by their own helpless defeats by Thomas. Some chose to participate in less hopeless card games, which were equally fun under the influence of local beer; and the rest of the people gathered in the bowling room for more physical activities.

The crowd in the bowling room was split into two teams competing against each other. Although my group won the first night, some from the other team complained that it was hard to draw an conclusion since the difference in our performances was within the +/-1000 points margin of error. However, it was clear that one group was specialized in the ancient German art of "Volle", and the other in "Abräumen". One more thing that is worth mentioning is that, a certain individual magically shot the ball completely "out" of the track and crashed the decorating tree. Ha, caught in action. The rest who saw the hilarious event nearly laughed their guts out, for whom the ambulance was nearly called.

"King Friedrich?"

"Margaretenhof"

If you like something even more physical, try this. In the second day afternoon, we took a three-hours walk at the surrounding hills, which is not so far away from the Czech boarder. Not only was the weather beautiful (despite a little cold) , and the landscape stunning, some of us also witnessed the ghost of King Friedrich for a blitz second, which was luckily captured on the camera.

For more pictures, go to the photos section.