This was one of the headlines plastered across London yesterday as we suffered in the sweltering heat.
It’s true that the tube is unbearable. On the way home yesterday I thought I was really lucky. As I hit the bottom of the escalator there was a train in the station. I jumped on and managed to grab myself a seat only for it to sit there for ten minutes before moving. Of course, if I’d been lucky, I would’ve found a seat near one of the windows on the emergency exits at the end of the carriage. Those windows are often the only relief to be found in the sardine cans. But no, I was right next to the door with no window. And it just got hotter and hotter. A few stops later I was lucky – one of the seats near the door became free and I dived for it. It seems Victoria Line trains actually have fans, and if you’re careful enough to sit on certain seats, you might just get a lucky blast of warm air. Still, air movement’s better than hot, still air and a little goes a long way in this heat.
For the most part I’m lucky with my regular journey to and from work. Yes, the Northern line is one of the deepest in the capital and therefore one of the hottest, but it does have those blessed open windows and aside from travelling through the middle of the city, it’s not too packed. Having learnt my journey well, I know when I can get a seat and sitting is nowhere near as bad as standing in the crush at this time of year.
And this was the headline greeting Londoners on this morning’s Metro. I’ve experienced this. It’s the same every summer and last night when I hopped on a bus that heater was blasting on my legs. All you can think is “Help! My legs are on fire!” Next time I’ll remember that if I can walk it, that’s got to be the better option. It’s really no good when it’s colder outside the bus in a heatwave, than it is inside.
Of course you may just think I’m complaining about nothing. 31°C isn’t that high, really. Well give me 31°C in Brasil over London anyday. The problem with the heat here isn’t that it’s hot, but the muggy stickiness that comes with it. The heat hangs thick in the air like clouds that weigh down on your shoulders. Sure, the sunshine is great but there’s nothing nice about a London heatwave. It’s no wonder we all try to get out of here come summer.
London at 31 is TOTALLY different than almost anywhere else at that temp. Toronto at 31, you barely notice it. Everything is air conditioned, including the trains. Probably the buses, not sure. You don’t have to experience 31 unless you want to. London – you can’t escape it. You poor lady, you must be so hot (you’ve got that furnance inside you!)
.-= Emma said Summer times =-.
Glowstars Reply:
July 3rd, 2009 at 14:04
I’m getting by – probably due to the good habit of drinking water like a fish! Do wish we had aircon at home though.
The heat is never a pleasant experience in the UK.
Yup, the tube has been awful. Really horrid. And it’s absolutely like you say – it’s not the temperature, it’s the humidity, which down below on the tube network has got to be at 100%. Sick of getting to work sweaty. Is unpleasant. I think the really hot spell is over for now. Shame it’s clouded over today, was very nice first thing this morning.
.-= Milo said The amber nectar =-.
Glowstars Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 21:37
I wouldn’t be so quick to say it’s over – been rather hot and sunny again today – although nowhere near as muggy as it has been.
Yes – about an hour after I wrote that the sun came out and it was a really nice rest of day. Went to Wallington to a garden centre with Sheridan which specialised in roses! Ran into an ex-colleague from 2 jobs ago!!! Small world.
.-= Milo said Cry little sister – thou shall not fall =-.
Glowstars Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 09:03
You realise you’ve just taken one step further to telling me where it is you live! I’m guessing it’s somewhere rather close to me…
Hehe, isn’t a state secret, can tell you on DM or email. Wallington not that close, 40 mins drive.
.-= Milo said Cry little sister – thou shall not fall =-.
Glowstars Reply:
July 7th, 2009 at 09:56
Damn! Am determined to solve this mystery on my own! lol