A New Lockdown Of Sorts.

Settling in the new going away?

As with most summers, a whole lot of Austrians will head for the sea, Croatia or Italy being top destinations. A few weeks roasting daily in the sun followed by a night on the town. And here is my question...Why bother driving a long way to have exactly the same weather as at home?

Yes, we are in the middle of a major heatwave, one that has even us seasoned South Africans in a state of disbelief. It is so hot, that being outside after 9 in the morning is unbearable. The lawns are browning, the leaves wilting and roads are scalding. Yes, a bit of a pickle when I take our little Maxi out at lunchtime and early afternoon.

The only way to somehow get through this weather predicament is to stay indoors, all windows and curtains closed. A lockdown that it seems most of our village is sticking to. Shutters are shut and roads are bare except the odd person walking their dog. 

These heat waves are getting worse each and every year and most of us aren't really prepared for it. Airconditioners are not the norm as they are in the Southern Hemisphere but sadly they might well be in the coming years. More CO-2 emissions leading to yet again warmer temperatures.

 One tried and tested trick I have honed to perfection in the last few decades is the cold shower. Yes, when it is hot like this a one minute ice cold shower does wonders. Not everyone has a swimming pool close by but everyone can manage a cold shower. Back in South Africa our flat was on the top floor, under a straight roof. The flat often felt like a sauna, trapping extra heat but taking frequent cold showers did the trick and cooled me down.

As for those thinking of going on holiday; yikes I couldn't imagine anything worse than sitting for hours on end in a hot car, at the airport or in transit. Much better to stay home and at least relax in the comfort of your own four walls...

Biggi