why is it that us Brits get clobbered with the most moan-worthy weather in Europe?
For 95% of the year we complain that the weather isn't nice enough for us, that its too overcast or cold or raining or whatever the adverse weather condition may be, and that we would much prefer it if it were very, very hot and sunny.
When we do get that coveted hot weather, usually lasting 6 or 7 days a year, then we find ourselves woefully unprepared for it.
Because its so cold all the time, we harden ourselves against it, develop thick skin and build thick, insulating walls. Therefore when the sun does come out and we experience temperatures above, say 27 degrees celcius, we find ourselves baking in our home made clay ovens. Take today for instance - its around 28 degrees and I'm sitting in my office sweating and generally feeling very, very uncomfortable. The building I am in is being described as a sweat box by everyone that's in it. We don't have air conditioning, we're not allowed to wear shorts. Its insane.
The other problem is that we have to be in offices in the first place. If I was sat outside right now next to a swimming pool and drinking cold Chang then I sure as hell wouldn't be sitting here moaning about the heat - I'd be basking in it instead.
Countries like Spain have it better - they're better prepared for extreme heat and they get to have a snooze in the middle of the day. Brilliant.
I propose a complete cultural overhaul in Britain - I say, when the sun's actually out, we all stop going to work and start going to the beach; no one ever gets anything done in this heat anyway.
So there, another excuse for Britain to moan about the weather, and another reason to step up teh pace on this global warming nonsense - if we heat up the globe at least we might get more consistent weather. Bah, humbug.