Categories: weather
Date: 01 July 2009 10:32:27
I have found over the years that Foreigners accuse my countrymen and women of "always talking about the weather". And whereas I feel that this is not entirely fair, we do after all talk about other important things too, my defence has always been that Our weather is arguably more interesting to talk about than Their weather.
Is weather not just weather? Whether* you agree is entirely your prerogative. I would argue that our British weather is marginally more newsworthy on the basis that it changes so often and quickly. Traditionally sunny countries which boast, for example, 300 days of sun a year, could be considered somewhat dull in the newsworthy stakes. For where is the interest in talking about something that hasn't changed much for 10 months of the year? Here, on our own blustery/rainswept/cloudy/showery/sunny/light-snowfall/drizzly/foggy/hail-hit/scorching/mild/cool islands there is arguably at least a little variety to talk about as the aforementioned can be quite typical of a single day.**
If one is guaranteed dry weather (or foul weather for that matter) for the whole day, it is easier to make plans. Such considerations as: Can I hang the washing out/do I need to water the plants/can I harvest my wheat/shall I risk not taking 3 pullovers and a waterproof and just rely on my brolly... simply do not need discussing. Bright and sunny all day - dress accordingly and harvest the wheat and hang out the washing without a care in the world. Freezing cold and snowing - hang the washing inside and take 3 pullovers. Sorted. Here, on the other hand, one has to plan for every eventuality and just a two-hour trip to the shops can require enough clothing to equip a jumble sale.
It affords me some amusement then, that I find my clients in German-speaking lands (they are of course Foreigners) like to sign off their e-mails with "Kind regards from sunny/snowy/rainy Berlin/Hamburg/Munich". I'm never too sure if I should respond in a like manner.
I would end up starting my mails with "Hello from the sunny Ancient Roman City" and sign them off three minutes later with "Kind regards from the now-looking-distinctly-like-a-heavy-shower ARC".
Curious how different nationalities see themselves...
Just for the record, it is bright and sunny right now with high thin cloud. I'm just popping into town for a couple of hours. Now...where's my sunlotion, pullover, sunhat, waterproof...
*Sorry, I couldn't resist.
** Real Foreigners who have never visited the UK: this is perhaps a slight exaggeration to make my point. But if you ever come here, you may find yourself amazed enough to comment...and thus fall into the trap of "always talking about the weather".