London Calling

The summer I spent computerizing a small library collection in London offered a glimpse into English work habits and lifestyles that I still carry with me. A thin slice it was, though, because most of the people I got to know were architects and preservationsists working for English Heritage (closest equivalent in the US might be the National Park Service). I liked what I saw and dated one of the few women in the office while at it.

Most of the people in the office finished their various projects with panache, showing seemingly little effort. No obvious sweat and stress, certainly.

Weekdays: arrive some time between eight and nine o'clock, mind the plants and drink coffee. Concentrate on business a while, then everyone takes their elevenses -- usually coffee instead of the stereotypical tea, plus a few little baked cakes (sometimes scones). Chit chat about anything but work matters. Relaxed and saucy, return to projects until lunchtime.

Next, take a lowkey lunch at a nearby pub or cafe, talking about this and that. Have a drink or two, smoke a French cigarette, an English pipe or a small cigar.

Back at the office, work until the four o'clock break and more coffee. Look at the cityscape through glass windows and skylights that let the sun stream in, but not too much so. Compare a few work notes, compliment each other's work, and get back to a project. Do this for an hour or two, then head for a pub or back home -- flats for the middle class, homes for the upper crusties (unless divorced -- in that case, also flats).

On special days and "at" weekends or for "a course," pick up an assigned car and drive around to historic sites, "inspecting." Preferably with new girlfriend, the one with a slight lisp whose father died when she was three. One of the few other office women may opt instead to drive around with a "fancy man" and ride a helicopter to the Scilly Isles. Alternately, take hydrofoil to the Isle of Wight after a cozy train ride.

On a day like today -- after a perfect weekened sojourn -- it's hard to imagine any of my American jobs being so easy going.

When reality falls short, there's always the writing world. And after reading final student paragraphs in rudimentary composition class earlier this evening, I understand how much a blessing that world is.

Still, I wonder how things are going in London on a night like this?

Today's Rune: Wholeness.