It's Friday. In the Muslim world that's the core day of rest when almost everyone is off work and many go to the mosque and spend the day with their families. There's a lie in and no morning rush hour.
And yet for the last two Fridays the building site next door has chosen to begin work at 0530 as it is just getting light and has also chosen to concentrate on installing the air-con ducts. Which means steel saws, grinders and hammering on the ductwork. Some of the loudest and most penetrating noises on site at anytime.
Now there are real cultural differences between Western Europe and over here - even in the realm of noise. Apart from anything else people simply talk more loudly. And use of the horn in the car - which admittedly given the driving quality is very necessary - is hardwired in the brain and surfaces at very odd times. Including at the local shops and cafes where it is the accepted signal for staff to come outside and serve you in the car. No one leaves the comfort of their air conditioned car if they don't REALLY have to.
But steel saws, grinders and hammering at 0530 on a Friday? That's plain inconsiderate. And illegal - but complaining is hard and by the time you reach some sort of agreement with someone who can do something about it the moment has passed. For half an hour.
Still the cafe next door has some advantages beyond fine tea. Today a local police traffic patrol pulled in for their early morning break. And the grinders started up on the building site. Just as the cops were setlting down for their tea break.
The sergeant was not happy. Words were exchanged (and paperwork) with the site foreman. The grinding has stopped and the truck from the air-con company has left the site. Ahhh...peace. It's 0645 now. I'm going back to bed for some more zzzzz's. Let's hope my snoring doesn't disturb the next patrol.
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