Stephen Bickers
@stephenbickers.bsky.social
UK Diplomat in Uganda (and previously Zambia). Posts are personal opinion - mostly about books, boardgames, travel, rugby and cricket. Please don’t expect many great insights.
Played MANTIS 5 times on 2025-12-28 boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/35... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
A fun and fairly simple card game; made for players who enjoy stealing cards (and points) from others.
A fun and fairly simple card game; made for players who enjoy stealing cards (and points) from others.
MANTIS
A colorfully cutthroat card game of RAINBOWS and REVENGE.
boardgamegeek.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Played MANTIS 5 times on 2025-12-28 boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/35... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
A fun and fairly simple card game; made for players who enjoy stealing cards (and points) from others.
A fun and fairly simple card game; made for players who enjoy stealing cards (and points) from others.
Played Forever Home today boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/38... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
First time playing this Birdwood Games game about rehousing dogs. It has a good balance between pattern making and strategic play.
First time playing this Birdwood Games game about rehousing dogs. It has a good balance between pattern making and strategic play.
Forever Home
Help dogs in need find their new families by mastering puzzly training cards.
boardgamegeek.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Played Forever Home today boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/38... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
First time playing this Birdwood Games game about rehousing dogs. It has a good balance between pattern making and strategic play.
First time playing this Birdwood Games game about rehousing dogs. It has a good balance between pattern making and strategic play.
#Booksof2025 89 - A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog by Dylan Thomas.
A collection of stories based on his childhood and young adulthood in Wales. As a honorary Welshman, I probably should have read this years ago, but instead I've read this copy I found in Zambia a few years ago.
#BookSky
A collection of stories based on his childhood and young adulthood in Wales. As a honorary Welshman, I probably should have read this years ago, but instead I've read this copy I found in Zambia a few years ago.
#BookSky
December 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
#Booksof2025 89 - A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog by Dylan Thomas.
A collection of stories based on his childhood and young adulthood in Wales. As a honorary Welshman, I probably should have read this years ago, but instead I've read this copy I found in Zambia a few years ago.
#BookSky
A collection of stories based on his childhood and young adulthood in Wales. As a honorary Welshman, I probably should have read this years ago, but instead I've read this copy I found in Zambia a few years ago.
#BookSky
This book is probably my origin story.
During one school term, a friend and I spent every break time reading this book rather than going to the playground.
During one school term, a friend and I spent every break time reading this book rather than going to the playground.
December 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM
This book is probably my origin story.
During one school term, a friend and I spent every break time reading this book rather than going to the playground.
During one school term, a friend and I spent every break time reading this book rather than going to the playground.
And Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, was the one who caught and ate Scrat's nut.
The family made me watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas earlier.
The family made me watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas earlier.
And Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, now has a machine gun. Ho. Ho. Ho.
And Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, where the shadows lie, One Tim to rule them all, One Tim to find them, One Tim to bring them all, and in the darkness, bind them.
December 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
And Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, was the one who caught and ate Scrat's nut.
The family made me watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas earlier.
The family made me watch Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas earlier.
#Booksof2025 88 - Julia by @sannewman.bsky.social
At first, I wasn't sure that the world of George Orwell's 1984 needed fleshing out, but I was won over by the end.
#BookSky
At first, I wasn't sure that the world of George Orwell's 1984 needed fleshing out, but I was won over by the end.
#BookSky
December 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
#Booksof2025 88 - Julia by @sannewman.bsky.social
At first, I wasn't sure that the world of George Orwell's 1984 needed fleshing out, but I was won over by the end.
#BookSky
At first, I wasn't sure that the world of George Orwell's 1984 needed fleshing out, but I was won over by the end.
#BookSky
#Booksof2025 87 - An American Decade by Richard Aronowitz.
Christopher is a singer who moves to New York from Germany in the 1930s, but family connections keep drawing him back.
The politics felt a little heavy handed; lots of "tell" rather than "show".
#BookSky.
Christopher is a singer who moves to New York from Germany in the 1930s, but family connections keep drawing him back.
The politics felt a little heavy handed; lots of "tell" rather than "show".
#BookSky.
December 21, 2025 at 9:28 PM
#Booksof2025 87 - An American Decade by Richard Aronowitz.
Christopher is a singer who moves to New York from Germany in the 1930s, but family connections keep drawing him back.
The politics felt a little heavy handed; lots of "tell" rather than "show".
#BookSky.
Christopher is a singer who moves to New York from Germany in the 1930s, but family connections keep drawing him back.
The politics felt a little heavy handed; lots of "tell" rather than "show".
#BookSky.
#Booksof2025 86 - Men of Men by Wilbur Smith.
I don't think it is possible for a book to have a more fitting title. This is a book about men doing men things, whilst the women swoon at how manly the men are, and so on for 500 pages.
#BookSky
I don't think it is possible for a book to have a more fitting title. This is a book about men doing men things, whilst the women swoon at how manly the men are, and so on for 500 pages.
#BookSky
December 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
#Booksof2025 86 - Men of Men by Wilbur Smith.
I don't think it is possible for a book to have a more fitting title. This is a book about men doing men things, whilst the women swoon at how manly the men are, and so on for 500 pages.
#BookSky
I don't think it is possible for a book to have a more fitting title. This is a book about men doing men things, whilst the women swoon at how manly the men are, and so on for 500 pages.
#BookSky
After many attempts, I finally managed to persuade the family to climb Lions Head in Cape Town. It was both easier and harder than expected. The reward for reaching the top was this clear view of Cape Town.
December 16, 2025 at 7:26 PM
After many attempts, I finally managed to persuade the family to climb Lions Head in Cape Town. It was both easier and harder than expected. The reward for reaching the top was this clear view of Cape Town.
#Booksof2025 85 - Defectors by Joseph Kanon
A spy thriller set in Moscow during the early 60s. It's about betrayal between brothers and the addiction of keeping secrets. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but still a good read.
#BookSky
A spy thriller set in Moscow during the early 60s. It's about betrayal between brothers and the addiction of keeping secrets. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but still a good read.
#BookSky
December 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
#Booksof2025 85 - Defectors by Joseph Kanon
A spy thriller set in Moscow during the early 60s. It's about betrayal between brothers and the addiction of keeping secrets. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but still a good read.
#BookSky
A spy thriller set in Moscow during the early 60s. It's about betrayal between brothers and the addiction of keeping secrets. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but still a good read.
#BookSky
#Booksof2025 84 - Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
I've read this many times, and it never fails to delight. What struck me this time was the relatively late appearance of the titular detective agency.
#BookSky
I've read this many times, and it never fails to delight. What struck me this time was the relatively late appearance of the titular detective agency.
#BookSky
December 12, 2025 at 4:09 AM
#Booksof2025 84 - Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
I've read this many times, and it never fails to delight. What struck me this time was the relatively late appearance of the titular detective agency.
#BookSky
I've read this many times, and it never fails to delight. What struck me this time was the relatively late appearance of the titular detective agency.
#BookSky
#Booksof2025 83 - The Gunny Sack by M.G. Vassanji.
After Salim Juma inherits his great aunt's gunny sack, it reveals the history of his Indian origin family and their lives in what are now Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
#BookSky
After Salim Juma inherits his great aunt's gunny sack, it reveals the history of his Indian origin family and their lives in what are now Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
#BookSky
December 7, 2025 at 5:47 AM
#Booksof2025 83 - The Gunny Sack by M.G. Vassanji.
After Salim Juma inherits his great aunt's gunny sack, it reveals the history of his Indian origin family and their lives in what are now Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
#BookSky
After Salim Juma inherits his great aunt's gunny sack, it reveals the history of his Indian origin family and their lives in what are now Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
#BookSky
#Booksof2025 82 - Nasser Road: Political Posters in Uganda by @kristoftiteca.bsky.social
An analysis of the Kampala printing phenomenon, where famous domestic and international figures are portrayed as Iron Men, Robo-Cops and other exaggerated military superheroes. A short but great read
#BookSky
An analysis of the Kampala printing phenomenon, where famous domestic and international figures are portrayed as Iron Men, Robo-Cops and other exaggerated military superheroes. A short but great read
#BookSky
December 5, 2025 at 4:02 AM
#Booksof2025 82 - Nasser Road: Political Posters in Uganda by @kristoftiteca.bsky.social
An analysis of the Kampala printing phenomenon, where famous domestic and international figures are portrayed as Iron Men, Robo-Cops and other exaggerated military superheroes. A short but great read
#BookSky
An analysis of the Kampala printing phenomenon, where famous domestic and international figures are portrayed as Iron Men, Robo-Cops and other exaggerated military superheroes. A short but great read
#BookSky
Played Ticket to Ride: Europe on 2025-11-29 boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
Ticket to Ride: Europe
Build train routes across Europe in this sequel to the hit family board game.
boardgamegeek.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Played Ticket to Ride: Europe on 2025-11-29 boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
#Booksof2025 81 - A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.
Kirabo is a teenage girl growing up in Uganda in the late 70s. She is trying to find out who her mother is, whilst navigating the expectations and challenges women face.
I enjoyed it, possibly more than Kintu.
#BookSky
Kirabo is a teenage girl growing up in Uganda in the late 70s. She is trying to find out who her mother is, whilst navigating the expectations and challenges women face.
I enjoyed it, possibly more than Kintu.
#BookSky
November 29, 2025 at 5:42 AM
#Booksof2025 81 - A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.
Kirabo is a teenage girl growing up in Uganda in the late 70s. She is trying to find out who her mother is, whilst navigating the expectations and challenges women face.
I enjoyed it, possibly more than Kintu.
#BookSky
Kirabo is a teenage girl growing up in Uganda in the late 70s. She is trying to find out who her mother is, whilst navigating the expectations and challenges women face.
I enjoyed it, possibly more than Kintu.
#BookSky
At the time, I loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel to a slightly lesser extent). When my children were born, I looked forward to when they would be old enjoy to watch it. Now that they almost are, I look back at it and think... maybe not.
Different strokes for different folks, but the only artist I cannot separate the art from the artist on is Joss Whedon, I think because the underlying problem with what I find disappointing about Buffy is...this would be more satisfying if the show weren't quite so mean-spirited?
November 23, 2025 at 6:28 PM
At the time, I loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel to a slightly lesser extent). When my children were born, I looked forward to when they would be old enjoy to watch it. Now that they almost are, I look back at it and think... maybe not.
I went to an Australian event last night, and despite all the conversations about Australian successes in technology, health etc, I couldn't stop thinking about the Emu War.
"There was war once in this land."
Blue-feather chuckled. He knew this memory song. Old Chipped-beak told it well.
"With who?" A young chick asked.
"The slow-meats. With their bang-sticks and iron beasts."
"What happened?"
The old emu cackled, his eyes glassy with memory.
"We won, of course"
Blue-feather chuckled. He knew this memory song. Old Chipped-beak told it well.
"With who?" A young chick asked.
"The slow-meats. With their bang-sticks and iron beasts."
"What happened?"
The old emu cackled, his eyes glassy with memory.
"We won, of course"
November 21, 2025 at 4:05 AM
I went to an Australian event last night, and despite all the conversations about Australian successes in technology, health etc, I couldn't stop thinking about the Emu War.
#Booksof2025 80 - If Walls Could Talk by Lucy Worsley
A potted history of the home via the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and 'frontroom' (The naming conventions for this room is one of the most interesting chapters). No chapters goes into great depth, but an interesting read.
#BookSky
A potted history of the home via the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and 'frontroom' (The naming conventions for this room is one of the most interesting chapters). No chapters goes into great depth, but an interesting read.
#BookSky
November 20, 2025 at 4:42 AM
#Booksof2025 80 - If Walls Could Talk by Lucy Worsley
A potted history of the home via the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and 'frontroom' (The naming conventions for this room is one of the most interesting chapters). No chapters goes into great depth, but an interesting read.
#BookSky
A potted history of the home via the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and 'frontroom' (The naming conventions for this room is one of the most interesting chapters). No chapters goes into great depth, but an interesting read.
#BookSky
Wingspan
Attract a beautiful and diverse collection of birds to your wildlife preserve.
boardgamegeek.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Quacks
Pull ingredients from your stock to make your pot bubble, but hopefully not explode!
boardgamegeek.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
#Booksof2025 79 - Late Cuts by Vic Marks. A series of short essays on different aspects of cricket. I particularly liked the essay on bowling spells, and the thoughts on what goes through a bowlers mind when it starts going wrong.
And he really dislikes The Hundred, which helps.
#BookSky
#CricketSky
And he really dislikes The Hundred, which helps.
#BookSky
#CricketSky
November 2, 2025 at 6:29 PM
#Booksof2025 79 - Late Cuts by Vic Marks. A series of short essays on different aspects of cricket. I particularly liked the essay on bowling spells, and the thoughts on what goes through a bowlers mind when it starts going wrong.
And he really dislikes The Hundred, which helps.
#BookSky
#CricketSky
And he really dislikes The Hundred, which helps.
#BookSky
#CricketSky
#Bokksof2025 78 - The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year by Sue Townsend. This is not the continuous laugh out loud comedy suggested by the front cover quotes. The best parts are quite melancholy and plaintive, but some of the characters are unfunny caricatures.
#BookSky
#BookSky
November 2, 2025 at 7:41 AM
#Bokksof2025 78 - The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year by Sue Townsend. This is not the continuous laugh out loud comedy suggested by the front cover quotes. The best parts are quite melancholy and plaintive, but some of the characters are unfunny caricatures.
#BookSky
#BookSky
Played EXIT: The Game – The Polar Station today boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/21... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
Maybe it was the Danish fig flavoured schnapps I was drinking, but this game seemed a lot harder than it should have been.
Maybe it was the Danish fig flavoured schnapps I was drinking, but this game seemed a lot harder than it should have been.
EXIT: The Game – The Polar Station
Trapped in a polar station – only 1 hour to escape before you freeze to death!
boardgamegeek.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Played EXIT: The Game – The Polar Station today boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/21... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
Maybe it was the Danish fig flavoured schnapps I was drinking, but this game seemed a lot harder than it should have been.
Maybe it was the Danish fig flavoured schnapps I was drinking, but this game seemed a lot harder than it should have been.
Played Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy on 2025-10-26 boardgamegeek.com/boardgameexp... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy
Catch the bullet train to the Tokyo metro or dominate regions of Italy with two maps.
boardgamegeek.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Played Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy on 2025-10-26 boardgamegeek.com/boardgameexp... #bggplay via @boardgamegeek.com
#Booksof2025 77 - Stone Blind by
@nataliehaynes.bsky.social A fantastic retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus. The latter gets a lot of rightful shade thrown at him.
A really good book.
#BookSky
@nataliehaynes.bsky.social A fantastic retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus. The latter gets a lot of rightful shade thrown at him.
A really good book.
#BookSky
October 25, 2025 at 5:55 AM
#Booksof2025 77 - Stone Blind by
@nataliehaynes.bsky.social A fantastic retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus. The latter gets a lot of rightful shade thrown at him.
A really good book.
#BookSky
@nataliehaynes.bsky.social A fantastic retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus. The latter gets a lot of rightful shade thrown at him.
A really good book.
#BookSky