Time to reflect

Time, is a wonderful thing. But it can be a contrary bugger. For example, if you’re waiting for a bus it stretches out like the Sahara. But, if it is imperative you catch a bus and are 5 streets away from the stop, its sand running through your fingers.

Over the centuries mankind have measured time in many ways: lunar cycles, solar cycles and so on. But these days the world has predominantly settles on GMT. How odd that a line in a small London borough should have such International significance. It brings a tear of pride to my English eye.

But, and this might shock you proud Englanders out there, for some this dignified line in time is nothing more than a theory. When a GMT believer comes into contact with these people there can be only one outcome: confusion.

For example, I genuinely believe that 8am exists, although I further understand that 8am is not universally 8am everywhere. My 8am in Libya, is in fact your 6am in England. But, and I fervently believe this to be true, my 8am in Libya is universally 8am in Libya.

Admit you can’t fault my logic?

So if I were to tell you that many Libyans think that 8am in Libya is 8.30am, or 8.48am, or maybe even 11am you’d probably be shocked. Rightly so.

But what if I also told you that some Libyans are able to make 8am any time they like to suit their particular circumstances? Confused? Another example. A training course might start at 8am, but should you encounter a problem locating your car keys, or need to stop off at the shops, or maybe, phone a friend, or, indeed any combination of these things. 8am can become the time you arrive at your training course.

You may think this madness but look at the advantages. You are never late, so you don’t have to apologise for your tardiness, or indeed give it a second thought.

This phenomenon is called LT – Libyan Time. Experts in its manipulation can do all sorts of clever things with it, like turning the lunch hour into the end of the day. After all, if you have the power to decide what time it is, you always have time to do what you want.

Yep, LT is the new GMT.

That’s not to say it doesn’t hang on to some of the traits of the old GMT. For example, it is never applied to the end of the working day. In this respect GMT is rigidly followed.

And talking of time, I will be leaving Libya soon. I’ll be sticking to old-fashioned GMT so it will be next Wednesday.

What did I think of Libya? A very interesting place, but its people are its strongest asset.

You should visit – if you get the time…