Opinion

Is it me or is it hot out there?

July 30, 2009 12:37
1 min read

Even after 15 years of living here, the intense heat and humidity of the Israeli summer still comes as a bit of a shock. And this year it seems hotter than ever. My hair has never been frizzier and my brow never sweatier.

The heat might be palatable, even rather pleasant, if you're here on holiday and sitting under a parasol by a pool, sipping an iced drink. It's not that enjoyable if you have to work and can only feel comfortable in an air-conditoned building or car.

I came to London ealier this week. "You're so lucky: you'll be able to cool down for a few days," said my neighbour when I knocked on the door to say goodbye before I left.

Cool down? I'm sitting indoors, freezing cold, watching the rain lashing against the window and the trees blowing in the wind. It's July, for heaven's sake. Whatever happened to the barbecue summer predicted by the Met Office?

It's diffcult to know what to put in the suitcase when you're packing in the blistering heat. You can't imagine that you'll need anything other than summer clothing. Mindful of the vagaries of a British "summer" I did pack a raincoat, but I didn't think I'd be asking my host to lend me a thick sweater and to turn on the central heating.

I can't wait to get back home so I can warm up a little.