Thursday, June 21, 2007

Working Hours

The working hours here in Ushuaia fascinate me, as they reflect those of Spain or countries with hot climates where people take a "siesta" during the hottest part of the day. And Ushuaia, certainly does not have a hot climate.
Work commences in the morning anything between 8.00am, for businesses and Government Offices and 10.00am for retail shops and banks, post office, dentists etc. The shops close again anytime between 12.30 and 1.30, depending on the season and the shop. The banks stay open until 3.00 and many Government offices close at 12.00. The post office stays open, but the Customs man, who inspects every parcel is only available for a few hours, and now in winter only between 10am and 12.30. Outside these hours it is impossible to send parcels or collect those that require Customs inspection.
Then everyone disappears for a few hours, one of my neighbours comes home every day. Then later shops and businesses re-open anywhere between 3.00 and 5.00pm and remain open until 9.00 or 10.00pm, depending on the business, shop or service.
It seems so crazy in a city where in winter the daylight hours are quite short and the climate certainly not conducive to night life outside of a warm home. Who wants to buy clothes at 9.00pm when it's freezing outside? I know where I would rather be.

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