Southern Exposure Part 2
I forgot to mention a few climate idiosyncrasies we have noticed since we arrived in NZ.
The first thing that you notice is the quality of the light. Although it is your typical sunny day, the light seems to be somehow brighter. I am not sure whether this has anything to do with the second interesting thing, the fact that NZ seems to be directly underneath a big hole in the Ozone.
Yes that’s right, although the causes may be in dispute as to why the Ozone layer is depleting, the fact that there isn’t much of it above NZ is largely accepted by all. When you turn on the TV you notice lots of ads about UV protection and learn very quickly that factor 30 is the minimum that you wear on any given day. The weather forecasts in the Newspapers give the UV levels and over the last few weeks it has been at 11. 11 means stay indoors and plan outdoor activities for the early morning or the late afternoon. This is irrespective of the temperature which has not gotten over 20 degrees much since we have been here.
I, the country Paddy, of course ignored all these facts one day as the temperature was about 20 degrees and quite overcast. Nothing that my sallow skin and existing tan couldn’t handle I thought to my peril. Well perhaps peril is too strong a word, but I did get burnt on the old noggin past the comfort stage it has to be said. Needless to say I have been applying the factor 30 to the face and expanding forehead ever since.
Probably the most important thing we have discovered is that when the real estate agents boost of North facing living rooms and gardens, it is actually something to be proud of. Logically, although I must admit that it hadn’t occurred to me before we left, the sun path is slightly different this side of the equator! I can take some solace for my stupidity in the fact that many of the first houses built in NZ took advantage of what was thought to be a desirable Southerly aspect also. So I am not alone in my stupidity it would seem.
Finally I have studied the water in the sink as it disappears carefully, dying it with toothpaste and the like, and can confirm that the water drains in NZ in a clockwise direction. Unfortunately I forgot to study the way it flows in Ireland but I trust it flows in the opposite direction? Perhaps someone can let me know.
Cathal
The first thing that you notice is the quality of the light. Although it is your typical sunny day, the light seems to be somehow brighter. I am not sure whether this has anything to do with the second interesting thing, the fact that NZ seems to be directly underneath a big hole in the Ozone.
Yes that’s right, although the causes may be in dispute as to why the Ozone layer is depleting, the fact that there isn’t much of it above NZ is largely accepted by all. When you turn on the TV you notice lots of ads about UV protection and learn very quickly that factor 30 is the minimum that you wear on any given day. The weather forecasts in the Newspapers give the UV levels and over the last few weeks it has been at 11. 11 means stay indoors and plan outdoor activities for the early morning or the late afternoon. This is irrespective of the temperature which has not gotten over 20 degrees much since we have been here.
I, the country Paddy, of course ignored all these facts one day as the temperature was about 20 degrees and quite overcast. Nothing that my sallow skin and existing tan couldn’t handle I thought to my peril. Well perhaps peril is too strong a word, but I did get burnt on the old noggin past the comfort stage it has to be said. Needless to say I have been applying the factor 30 to the face and expanding forehead ever since.
Probably the most important thing we have discovered is that when the real estate agents boost of North facing living rooms and gardens, it is actually something to be proud of. Logically, although I must admit that it hadn’t occurred to me before we left, the sun path is slightly different this side of the equator! I can take some solace for my stupidity in the fact that many of the first houses built in NZ took advantage of what was thought to be a desirable Southerly aspect also. So I am not alone in my stupidity it would seem.
Finally I have studied the water in the sink as it disappears carefully, dying it with toothpaste and the like, and can confirm that the water drains in NZ in a clockwise direction. Unfortunately I forgot to study the way it flows in Ireland but I trust it flows in the opposite direction? Perhaps someone can let me know.
Cathal
Labels: Climate, New Zealand
posted by Sharon in Ireland/NZ @ 8:17 PM
1 Comments:
At 12:35 PM,
Anonymous said…
Cathal, perhaps if you wait until you come home you could take swimming lessons from your nephew Daithi, who at 7 has completed all swimming lessons available from the pool in enniscorthy, including his rooky lifeguard status, with gold medal!!!
Post a Comment
<< Home