Not really the best office etiquette, but I’ve begun to take my socks off a work because of the temperature. The location where I’ve been moved to in the office is closer to the windows… That part, I really appreciate since before I was pretty close to the center of the building, and would only recieve natural light when I was outdoors. Though, during the winter period, that would mean never since it’s dark when I get to work, and already dark when I leave as well. The view from the 3rd floor is definitely much better than the basement or 1st floot… Though, at least the temperature in the basement doesn’t fluctuate at all throughout the year.
Anyways, I find myself near the corner of the cityhall (or city office which the locals call it by here, when speaking in English) building and air circulation is horrible. Down on the first floor, or by the elevators/stairs the temperatue is 2-3°C different. Because of the Cool Biz campaign which was implemented in the summer of 2005, (the summer I arrived) air conditioners only switch on if the temperature goes over 28°C. Fine with me, but unfortunately due to the old structure of a building which is called the Sanjo City Office, the whole building is wired as a whole unit. The 3rd floor is hovering around 30°C before the air conditionor kicks in, since the 1st floor is always a few degrees cooler than the top floors. The 1st floor windows are pretty much covered by the outdoor trees, and heat rises.
Not only that, now that I’m by the windows… the windows and walls radiate with heat. Hence, just yesterday I bought a USB powered small fan, which I have stationed underneath my desk. Placing it on my desk would be too obvious. So it’s no socks and for me at the moment. Hmmm, I wonder if I could go as far as going trouserless…
Anyways, another day to go and then it’s Koromogae. The seasonal change of clothes. From June 1st to Sept 30th, students change to summer clothing and Cool Biz officially begins. It’s off with ties and jackets! Yeah! 4 months of wearing a polo/golf shirts…
…even then, it’s still too hot…