Crystal Clear

What caught my attention was the discussion about the Ozone layer and its depletion, also why is it that in New Zealand you get burnt so quickly ie.15mins. As a layman I presumed this was because the Ozone was thinner here, so more UV rays got through. In actual fact, it isn't any thinner here than anywhere else, bar the hole. But because our air is clearer in general, than the air in The Northern Hemisphere, so the UV rays can get through easier and do more damage.

I couldn't believe it; here we have this wonderful clean air, yet we have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. I come from the time when the more tanned I was the better. I have vivid memories of coating myself with coconut oil and lying out to be crisped. I think every part of my body has been burnt at one time or other. Like trying to sit an important exam and being unable able to sit down. Now if my children have too many freckles or get even the slightest bit burnt, I am the recipient of many a disapproving look. To go out in the sun now-days one should have on a hat, sunglasses sun block, long-sleeved shirt and sit in the shade. Um, why go in the sun?

Whereas in other parts of the world, it is a common belief that the damage to the Ozone layer is insignificant and no threat to them, so is not their problem, while often they are the main culprits, I'm afraid they are right (at least partially). For their Air is so dirty, UV rays can’t get through as much. Enough of my soapbox.

The most noticeable result from our wonderful clear atmosphere is often commented on by decorators or anyone that has lived in another part of the world, that is our colour is different. The sky is bluer and the green is greener, in all everything is brighter. Its true!! Believe me. I mean there has to some truth to this even in the dark the young ones seem to wear sunglasses.

This brings me, in a long convoluted way to what really was on my mind. I love the Canterbury Winters!

Canterbury is an area in the middle of the South Island, New Zealand. It is lucky to be framed on one side by the snow covered Southern Alps, rolling down to the Canterbury planes and set off on the side by the Pacific Ocean. Sounds a bit like a picture, must stop reading those coffee table books.

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