Original LinkedIn post

⚡ I love hiking, and even more when I can share those moments with like-minded people. That's how my second JCrete® experience began: hiking through the Mesavlia Gorge, followed by an unexpected invitation from local Cretan people to a traditional feast. Their hospitality was simply amazing.

During the week, I joined many inspiring sessions. There were lots of discussions about AI and its role in software development, Java, and how Java and AI can work together. I also appreciated the sessions on non-technical topics, reminding us that software engineers are humans too, with interests and lives beyond work.

Some highlights for me were Java-related topics like OpenJDK, project Panama, latest Java features ready to use or LLM security tips, and analogue computing.

Equally valuable were the conversations over lunch and dinner, during the Cretan evening and the barbecue, or other activities like beach excursions, and my very first scuba dive. It was a great opportunity to build relationships, learn what others are working on, broaden my perspective, and get to know people beyond their professional roles.

The week ended with a wonderful evening in a taverna, enjoying delicious fish dishes.

Thanks to everyone I had the chance to talk with, it would be a long list to mention you all here. Special thanks to Arno Koehler, Sven Woltmann for organizing activities and Geertjan Wielenga for the interview, to all disorganizers, and especially to Heinz Kabutz!

You all made this a fantastic experience. I hope to stay in touch with many of you and look forward to seeing you again at future events!