How long until one misses the rain?

Precipitation is down 90% from average levels and there has been no rain or snow for months, literally -over 3 months now, and closing in on 100 days!

Every day is clear with blue skies and temperatures between minus 10 and zero. At what point does one miss the rain? I am not a farmer, so I don't mind -though I do consume food and prices continue to go up due to droughts. It certainly makes it nice and easy to cycle to work and even back from bars late at night.

Today, finally, Andrea and I went to Tesco. In the opposite direction to our nearby Carrefour, it is only a few seconds further in traveling time, but it is not a place I will be going back to. The bakery was absolutely appalling. It had only a measly 6 products that were supposedly freshly baked, yet, at midday today, 5 of the products were from yesterday, apart from the french bread. There was only one aisle of imported goods, which is not very helpful; and there was not a big collection of vegetables though. There were not many signs in English, and none of the products had any English names (Carrefour does). In fact, it is not just me that is not impressed; the store was practically empty compared to Carrefour which normally is packed on a saturday. Clearly the people are voting with their feet. And Tesco on the East 4th ring road is not a Tesco many people want to go to. Having said all this, there is also a Wal-Mart 200 meters away, and that is just as bad as Tesco. At least Tesco has some of its own-label products which is something that Carrefour does not have.

The last few weeks have been pleasant enough; dominated by the cold, a cough I picked up, and work. Soon Chinese New Year will take over, with fireworks and red all over the place. It also means some time off, though when it is this cold, we're not sure what to do! Maybe, just maybe, the weather will get a little warmer for a day or two, as the forecast is hinting at. Still, though it is called the 'Spring Festival', this is a misnomer. Spring is still a month or two (or more!) away yet!

By the way, lots of my photos are up online now from Indonesia. Some good volcano ones too. Check them at at www.flickr.com/adamsphotos