Patrick Lam

Thoughts and travels of Patrick Lam

Book review: Can't Get There from Here: New Zealand Passenger Rail Since 1920, by André Brett, maps by Sam van der Weerden

A good (though detailed) read about the sad history of NZ passenger rail, with advocacy for a better future.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Saturday, January 7, 2023

Leaving Early: The Last Day of our South Island December 2022 trip

A day in the life. Making and executing last-minute travel plans to get back to Wellington from the South Island.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Saturday, December 31, 2022

November: winter is coming

Whirlwind Canada tour, where I refereed judo tournaments, served on PhD committees, met up with a ton of people, and did not get COVID. Lots of service, some research, and ignoring teaching. Failed to hike the Round-the-Mountain Circuit around Taranaki due to rain.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Saturday, December 3, 2022

October: midway through Fall term

More research, two multi-day hikes, and a judo tournament. Like a middle of a non-teaching term.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Trip Report: Judo Nationals in Christchurch, October 14-16 2022

Finally, I make it to NZ judo nationals, taking 3rd. Designer Cottage was a great place to stay. Plus, Christchurch Tram.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Monday, November 14, 2022

Trip Report: Queen Charlotte Track, October 22-27 2022

Post-punted-paper-deadline trip to Queen Charlotte, plus a stay in Anakiwa. Occasional good views, a bit on the long side.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Friday, November 11, 2022

Trip Report: Banks Peninsula Track, October 3-4 2022

Back at Akaroa for the Banks Peninsula Track with great views of the hilly coast.

Posted by Patrick Lam on Wednesday, November 2, 2022

September: more research, some trips

Normal month in a non-teaching term. Making progress with research. Executing and planning trips, though not far afield (South Island).

Posted by Patrick Lam on Tuesday, October 11, 2022

August: staying in Canada longer than expected, for good reasons

Was going to go to NZ on August 6 but finally went on August 21, after a judo grading. I hope that I’ve finished everything for Spring term teaching now finally, and can get back to research (and seeing more of NZ).

Posted by Patrick Lam on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Reflections on judo grades

I graded for godan (5th dan) on the competitior stream recently. What does it all mean?

Posted by Patrick Lam on Friday, August 26, 2022

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Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo; patrick.lam@uwaterloo.ca

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