Forwards and occasionally sidewards – everyday musings of life

There has been a massive cultural shift in the construction trade since we last had any major building work done.

Back in 2010, the typical builder was fuelled by a steady, relentless stream of bacon butties, countless mugs of tea loaded with at least five sugars, monstrous meat pies, and hot dogs that could barely fit on a barbecue. Providing this endless supply of high-calorie hospitality seemed to be the only legally binding way to guarantee your job actually got completed.

Today’s “Tradies” are a completely different breed.

Instead of tea and greasy paper bags, they arrive at 7:00 AM already firing on all cylinders, primed on a volatile cocktail of Red Bull and Monster Energy. They don’t walk; they vibrate. Rather than the gentle hum of a local radio station, they tune in to electronic dance anthems that pump out a relentless, tribal beat at 140 bpm. The bass literally rattles the caravan windows, keeping these guys hyper-charged, constantly moving, and seemingly immune to the concept of lunch breaks. It’s like living next door to a nightclub where the patrons happen to be highly skilled plasterers.

That said, some traditions die hard. I have a sneaking suspicion the local bakery might have to start laying off staff now that our building work is nearing completion. Apparently, the occasional pasty and hot dog are still deemed medically necessary for an emergency sugar hit when the energy drinks wear off.

Fortunately, I am officially let off cooking duties this evening. Colin and Amanda have kindly invited us over for tea. I think it’s safe to assume there won’t be any lukewarm energy drinks, synthetic hot dogs, or bass-heavy house music on the menu. Amanda is a fantastic cook, and a civilised sit-down meal is exactly what the doctor ordered to escape the construction rave.