Saturday 27 January 2024

Another good day at around -1c to 0 c and clear skies. We have decided to take the tram out to the end of (one of the) lines, so we can look at the architecture from the warmth of the carriage. Then, we plan to look at some famous architect’s house. Lady P of course will post pictures and commentary.

Now one for Claire. We sit strategically just behind the tram driver, and facing forward – that’s important, we can observe the people entering and exiting at the pointy end,

Flashy observes a group of people at the tram stop ready to walk across the lights. He also spots a patch of slippery ice and says to Lady P “that looks dangerous.” Well, you know what’s coming! A woman takes one small step and whosh.. lands on her bottom.

The tram driver, just about of head off, slams on the brakes to see how she is; the people with her help her up. Flashy reckons she has a broken hip, compound elbow fracture and concussion. But no. She gets up, rubs her arm and heads off. Sorry, couldn’t get an actual photo but a facsimile is included.

So, this episode prompts a bit if retrospective observation. Most of the Finns we see on the street and particularly the young ones, dress like they’re walking down Bourke St for God’s sake. I’ve seen more flat soled shoes, Ugg boots and plastic runners than’s good for humanity. They all seem to glide across the ice, some actually running for trams. 

A few older folk have spikies on and walk about the same pace as Flashy, but not many. And don’t get me started on the 20 somethings in skirts and tights and dress shoes! They must be bloody freezing. Lady P informs me it’s about core strength and balance and says just walk “straight”. Easy for her, without a dodgy hip, knee and ankles.

Anyway, we had a good day and found a restaurant on the seaside (frozen) for a golgy (glühwein) and a toasty snack before heading home on the warm tram again.