Often moods are associated with colours. So, you feel blue, see red, are green with envy, or exhibit behaviour which can only be called yellow. Then there are actions that derive their meaning from colours, such as bleed something white, blackball someone, put it down in black and white or refer to something as a grey area.
But now there's a new connotation to the colour orange. It evokes a sense of dread. This is best illustrated by the structures which seem to have sprung up overnight outside some office and school buildings.
Unsuspecting motorists gleefully see a free parking slot only to be brought up short by the mean orange machine that stands before them menacingly. Shaking their heads in disbelief as they can swear that when they left work the day before there were no impending signs of doom, they glare at the newly installed parking meters.
Just as they bid farewell to the halcyon days of free parking, they spot the plastic covers and their spirits rise again. They have been given a reprieve. But for how long?
This is the topic of conversation at all gatherings at the workplace over the next few days as everyone makes a wild guess as to when these will become operational. There are two distinct camps — the optimists and the pessimists.
The former are convinced that the authorities will somehow have a change of heart and realise that residents shouldn't be burdened further. The pessimists scoff at their naivety and say with annoying assurance that they wouldn't be surprised if those plastic covers were taken off the very next day without any forewarning.
As the significance of this prediction sinks in, the discussion veers to annual parking fees versus feeding in coins every hour or few hours. The pros and cons of these two methods of payment are deliberated upon, but soon some realise that running down every now and then to feed the meter isn't practical. And yet the thought of the added expense of annual fees makes them blanch.
Accepting the inevitable
However, humans are adaptable by nature and the next day when they discover that the covers have been removed and the meters are working, there is a rush for the door. They soon learn that they don't really need to run down in a state of panic every hour as they can extend the parking time via mobile phone. This facility proves to be a boon. After a process of trial and error, they get it right.
But the majority is willing to park their vehicles far away although this means a long walk to work — not a very pleasant experience in the searing heat and humidity. Out come the umbrellas and hats, and I can safely predict a boom in the sale of these items. In fact, buying these in bulk and accosting people as they make the long trek makes good business sense.
They will be so grateful for anything that eases their misery that I am sure they will be willing to pay a price. Another business opportunity would be to start a valet service. Drive up to the office gate and hand over the keys to someone who is willing to go that extra mile for a few dirhams.
It's strange how a colour can evoke so many contrasting reactions depending on the country. For example, in the Netherlands it is worn with pride and on occasions such as Queen's Day, the streets are awash with merchandise in this hue.
But in a place where free parking is fast becoming a nostalgic memory, the sight of the now ubiquitous orange meters can make people see red. Until an extensive public-transport network is in place, residents will continue to feel the heat in more ways than one.
