Zoshchenko

I was reminded of Bania (Russian speakers can browse for it, if they can't remember) on my journey home. The Tube is baking. Packed. Delayed. I caught the Piccadilly Line. No trains on my branch. Get the first to Heathrow. Hot. Standing. Packed (did I mention that already). More people got on at Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge. Had to get out at South Kensington. Wanted to get a drink. There are 2 drinks machines on the platform. The first has sold out. Fair enough. I walk down to the second, pound coin in hand, ready to get a bottle of water or Coke, or even (heaven forfend) Diet Coke. I put my money in the slot, then the following message caught my eye: Temperature too high. Now, it may seem like a strange thought, but surely a refrigerated drinks machine should be able to deal with heat? In the States I've seen them on the streets in Colorado and Wyoming, in greater heat than here. So I had to make do with a Cadbury's Creme Egg bar (from a chilled machine!). It did, however, droop (as do so many things) in the heat within seconds of opening. Rnt over now. Watched the lightning in the distance walking home, hoping there will be an almighty storm tonight to clear the air.