Hugo Jonker

Came home yesterday evening, with Ton and Sasa, planning to have a nice cheese fondue at my place. There was a conspicuous absence of light emanating ominously from my building, offset by the cold, harsh light radiating from the fire escape, where a small group of smokers had sought refuge.

Upon further investigation, we became aware that there was a lack of current prevalent in the northwestern wing of the dwelling. This would definitely put a spoke through our cheese fondue, so to say. We do enjoy the luxury of having not merely one, but several alternatives to circumvent the current crisis (unintentional pun there). Hence, we opted to ignore the problems, on the tried and tested adage that if we ignore it long enough, eventually the problem will disappear.

The fondue turned out delicious for most, although those who do not share a fondness or even a liking for cheese found out to their dismay, that the flavours in a fondue are not, by any means, less intense than those of cheese in a more solid state. The conversation and company were pleasant as well, and except for a minor mishap involving unbaked pie (minor, but serious enough to never develop its full potential as baked pie), the evening was once again profoundly enjoyable.

Upon returning to my domicile, to my surprise I discovered the selfsame grouping of young students outside on the fire escape. As the fire escape is adjacent to the front door of the location I, with a flair of overstatement, may call my residence, the natural and courteous choice of action was to acquaint myself with the aforementioned group. They kindly informed me of the nature of the problems. Since 17:00, the flow of electricity had ceased. The concierge had been notified, but evidently had failed to produce the so-desired result of re-establishing the flow, despite repeated and insistent prompting. Apparently, the fact that some 31 persons were without power is not a main concern of our landlord, the university.

There was no recourse for it. The use of candles enabled applying the evening’s toilette before retiring for the night. In the morning, the situation was unchanged. But, lo and behold, at 7:15 equipment came to life! Digital clocks started flashing, the timer on the over lighted up, and it seemed that showering in the dark was not needed. Fast-forward to 7:21, and disappointment prevailed once again. The use of candles was once more an enabling factor in rousing myself to a state of coherent cognizance.

Upon parting to voyage to the lieu of my employ, I encountered an able fellow, who has at previous occasions applied many a fix in our building. Grasping the opportunity and the brakes of my bike with equal ferocity, I halted next to him and conversed about the abundant lack of electricity. We spent some time tracking the source of this profound inconvenience, and when the issue had been determined not to be a local phenomena occurring solely in my chambers, I parted company.

As the predicament had not been resolved when I left, I am partially curious to encounter the state of affairs when I arrive. Nevertheless, previous exposure to the efficiency and attitude prevalent here puts me at ease.
that is to say: if it is easy, it will be solved by the evening. If it’s slightly difficult, I will be needing candles all weekend.