A Dispatch from London #1
I have long suspected that the psyche of a nation is dependent on its weather, and Britain is a perfect example of that. Having lived on this small island nation for some time now, I understand the misery of its people — a misery inflicted by the sheer shitness of the weather. Winter is particularly brutal. A thick blanket of stone-grey clouds shields the sun from view like an unwanted relative. Its absence causing a nationwide deficiency in vitamin D and soon after, depression settles over the land like nuclear dust.
As I write this, the sun has not been sighted for many weeks, and my mood has begun to alter. I am bitter and snappy, and beginning to exhibit traits of passive aggressiveness — a trait long associated with the British. It is clear to me now that this trait has been inflicted upon them by the weather.
I would consider activities illegal in nature to accumulate the funds necessary to uproot my life and relocate to Italy, Spain or my native Morocco where the sun is warm, the food hearty, and life moves at a pace in tune with the soul. But alas, I have a family, and we have put down roots.
Living in London is a gamble, and the odds are not in your favour. Each day is a throw of the dice, the outcome of which will either reward you or cut you until you die the proverbial death of a thousand cuts.
The cheer of Christmas helps take the edge off. Lights twinkle, choral music lifts the spirit, and the mood of the masses turns festive, regardless the weather.
But this is temporary. January approaches — the most brutal and unforgiving of months. A time when pockets are light, the social calendar empty, and one sits beneath the same grey skies, reflecting on the purpose and meaning of one’s life. A month of melancholy — another of those Great British traits.
***
This rant was interrupted by a carol service on our street, which put joy into the hearts of my wife and children. Seeing them smile fills me with a rush of dopamine that takes the sting out of any day, no matter how miserable.
Merry Christmas.
H.R