The Doors

I’m not an expert on doors but I do go through a lot of them, actually I go through a few a lot but not so many different ones. Like roundabouts and traffic lights there aren’t so many of them on the West coast of Norway. From my bed to my classroom I go through 6. My favourite door is the entrance to the science labs, it’s a very special one because there’s a motion sensor attached to the wall which opens it when you approach. There is a slight delay of no more than a second, enough to make you think it’s not working, prompting attempts to grab the handle. I used to wave at the sensor as I got near, hoping that this would in some way initiate the opening procedure earlier. Swinging a bunch of keys in the air works quite well. I heard that you can turn on a TV by rattling a bunch of keys but it’s probably not true. This morning I realised that, without knowing it, I have developed a new way of dealing with the delay, it’s called waiting. One second of meditation before entering the building is a great way to start the day.

In the photo you can see me being reflective and a poster that says "time and tide wait for none", maybe not but I'm waiting for the door.

That’s my favourite but there is also one I hate. It’s not really the door it’s the mechanism. The door to the administration block also has an automatic opening device but it’s not a motion sensor it’s the biggest switch you’ve ever seen and it needs to be pushed hard. Almost never get it to work on the first push, no time to meditate since I’m too busy pushing the button, just stand there getting angry. Barbara, on the front desk, must be fed up of hearing people swear as they get caught by the savage closing action and get this, if the door is locked you have to open with the key and press the button at the same time. I hate that door, think I might boycott it.

Here's the big button plus some other small ones. I have no idea what they are for.