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| Where we can survive |
18 Jul 2006 14:33:26 GMT |
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The extreme heat we're currently facing doesn't affect me in our air-conditioned office.
Actually, it's quite cold in my department - a stark contrast to the aircon-less main IS office down the hallway where it's uncomfortably humid. A while back they used a giant antiquated portable aircon rented from a local company. It looks like something from the Soviet era and makes an ominous grinding noise when they switch it on. The funniest thing is this: it barely fucking works, emitting only a feeble puff of cool air every now and then and they reckon a tramp broke into the storage warehouse at the rental company and used it as a toliet because it reeks. The unit has a chamber at the top for ice cubes but someone, in a vain attempt to cover up the smell, poured Fabric softener in and almost gummed up the mechanics inside. They've stopped using it now, partly because it's shit but mostly because it's a breeding ground for Legionnaires.
Anyway, i care not for air conditioning. Give me a desk fan and let the sun shine in. I went out at lunch to look for somewhere to take a postprandial nap. I decided against the patch of green opposite Waterloo station on account of the hosepipe ban turning it into a patch of yellow. I also decided against the lawn surrounding the Tate Modern as there's usually a rancid tramp staggering around at this time of day. Instead i wandered down the scorching alleways the run behind the south bank. The heat waves distorted the tarmac in front of me. I passed a couple of dazed employees from various companies smoking and laying back lethargically. I felt pretty good. Then i remembered that there was church nearby with a small garden lawn. I located it and went in to lie down. Turns out about a dozen other people had the same idea, but this didn't bother me as everyone was pretty much asleep and there was still plenty of room. I lay back and looked up at the blue sky through the network of branches of a nearby tree. I napped for about 40 minutes and enjoyed the feeling of being lazy. I got up and made my way back the office where the reception air conditioner froze the light layer of sweat to my arms like frosting.
London's a loud, aggressive and busy place. But if you know where to look and don't mind wandering off the beaten track, you can find the most serene boltholes in the least likely places.
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| Security Clearance: 5 |
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