Es zieht!

Buds here. A quote from one of the many articles I’ve read today about German habits.

One definition of a split second: the time it takes between opening a window on a hot train and hearing a German say the two most dreaded words in the German language: “Es zieht!” (“There’s a draft!”)

In the summer on German trains, in the days before most were air conditioned, I can remember betting with friends how long it would take before a German would close the window when the train began to pull out of the station. It was usually under 10 seconds. An open window while the train was standing still was okay, but the minute air began to flow through the window as the train picked up speed, you could hear the slam of windows being shut — even if it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) outside! Today on local commuter trains it’s no different

My research started on our second German train when we tried to open a window that appeared to have been hammered shut.

After 9 hours we’re more or less used to it. The trains churn north. The relative heat wave continues (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The sun pours in from nearly cloudless skies. The light sheen of sweat glistens. The windows stay shut.

On the other hand, I do adore getting a deal.