This morning's commute and other commuting stories

I posted this yesterday at work, the trickle back will be prolonged.. as we have alternative weeks in and wfh to ease office congestion.

Back at BHY on Monday this week after 147 days away, having got used to working from home as new normal, also spell of furlough, felt rather daunting, like starting a new job. This Pandemic without doubt has affected everyone’s health, mental health and wellbeing. In the beginning of lockdown felt really awkward, then convenient, but never truly satisfying. As *** is and always has been for me a space for social interaction, those unplanned moments which sparks creativity, freedom of thought, engagement.

The psychological challenge I set for myself this week was to continue avoiding public transport and cycle in four consecutive days from East Ham. That’s 80 miles this week which I wouldn’t have done otherwise. With the forecast predicting hot and humid weather, I dressed and packed appropriately.

Monday I left home at 7.20 am because I wanted to enjoy the freedom of escaping my home borough of Newham, so took it easy to capture that ‘state of nirvana’ through mobility, that a lot of cyclists bang on about and which I had sorely missed. The roads were empty, is was relatively cool. When I arrived outside BHY I had no problem accessing the bike store in underground car park opposite. Greeted by friendly security chap, then confronted by the temperature reader (we have to give this FOH robot a name, seriously), nevertheless I registered 36.2 deg C every day this week, therefore fit for work. I pulled some weird faces, but FOH robot still recognised me, unamused, expressionless.

FM fretting about as always, but real credit to him and army of cleaners patrolling daily to keep BHY operational. The social distancing measures are clear and easy to follow.

Pod 1.2 is currently our favourite spot, like a reverse sauna at 18*C. Xander and Katy are taking bookings and charging a nominal fee toward our mojito fund :)

Highlights of the week

1. Being mobile again
   
2. Seeing a few familiar faces
   
3. Being part of urban life around Clerkenwell, as businesses tentatively open up again
   
4. Leaving my work and laptop locked up at the office at 5.30pm
   
5. Having that golden hour / commute home to switch off from Project pressures