As if to exemplify the language divide between the US and the UK, an “ambulance” is not “something to transport injured folk to the hospital.” No, here that may include “a paramedic on a motorcycle who just happens to show up when you need some help, but has no way of getting you to the hospital unless you want to hang off the back.”
In the UK, an “ambulance” can be anything from a full-blown emergency vehicle to a car (in case you have a medical appointment and don’t want to take the bus) to … a motorcycle. This is, apparently, in case you called for help and needed somebody to be able to weave through the immense traffic and provide a bit of first aid, perhaps a few drugs, whatever; you needed somebody now, so they’ll get there quick. They just won’t show up in a van which is able to get you to the hospital or anything.
The world is different, here. How different? Well, let’s just say that it’s 9 p.m., it’s 11°C / 52°F outside, and our regularly-scheduled ice-cream truck has just gone by, playing its music to attract those who have found the day too warm. Yes, this is a warm day in Glasgow (it’ll be down to only just-below freezing tonight). That never stopped the ice-cream truck, though: it went all winter.
You know that’s not to different from the weirdo driving the ice cream truck in the rain last week in my neighborhood…he circled the block twice…in case we couldn’t hear him or see him I guess.
That’s because they sell cigarettes. Sad, but true.