If you can't stand the heat...

Bet you thought I was going to say "get out of the kitchen," didn't you?

Unfortunately, it's hot everywhere in Caracas, even outside the kitchen. According to my weather widget on my desktop, it's been in the 90s for at least the past three weeks or maybe month. Most people I've talked to back home have told me how lucky I am that it's warm here, that it's still snowing/raining/sleeting still, etc. Then I tell them how hot it is. They are no longer jealous.

Why is this heat such a big deal?

First of all, it's making everyone irritable. Even the stray dog down the street was irritable the other day and came after me on the way to class. There have been electricity consumption limits put into place everywhere in the country, which means that although the temperatures have been sky-high, the air conditioners in most places are being turned off or way down, as well as some elevators and most escalators.

In addition, there have been extensive problems with the subway system lately. I can't really speculate as to why exactly there are such delays (I do however know that the sauna-like conditions inside some of the subway cars are because they are raising the temperature on the air-conditioning to lower energy consumption and that, combined with an excessive number of passengers, it makes things quite steamy), but I have heard that it has to do with electrical problems and on several occasions I know for a fact that it was for a more morbid reason I'd rather not get into. So everyone packs into the cars with little regard for the comfort of those around them because we've all got places to be. One morning before class the situation was so bad that I had to wait for 4 trains to pass before being able to get into the 5th. Maybe 2 people could get into each car every time one train came, and there was a delay between trains.

It's been so hot and dry that El Ávila, the beautiful mountain range we have to the north of the city went up in flames in several different parts on different days recently. I watched the flames for hours from a friend's apartment and, because of the drought, a small helicopter flew over with water only two times that day/night. The smoke covered the whole city with a grey cloud of ash.

A sad, sad sight I hope not to see again.

Also because of the lack of rain and excessive heat (apparently the heat we've been experiencing the last few weeks isn't normal, even for the native Caracans), the valley has been unable to purify its air. I've been told that the air from Caracas gets "recycled" every day and fresh air comes through because of the winds (I'm no scientist, so if anyone would like to explain this concept to me, please do!). However, lately this hasn't been happening and this grey cloud of pollution hasn't gone away, even though the mountain is no longer burning.

I usually arrive home sweaty and hot, wanting to take 5 showers a day (no worries, I don't- after all, there's a water shortage!) and exhausted. I sometimes have to wash clothes I've only worn for the morning or afternoon because of the condition in which I arrive home.

Are you starting to see how this could make someone irritable? I've definitely had my moments lately. I actually started to feel nostalgia for the icy temperatures of Cleveland in January. I've joked that on some days, it's so hot that the idea of rolling around in the snow in a bathing suit sounds just great to me!

So what does one do when it's so hot that even the stinky, warm breeze of the incoming subway train feels refreshing? Well, here is how I've gotten through it:

1) Never underestimate the power of a fan, especially when your bedroom doesn't have a window. Enough said.

2) COLD water. Enough said.

3) COLD water with Nestea powder mixed in it.

4) Laughing at the things that are out of the ordinary or just plain don't make sense!

Chacao police on Segways!

5) Air-conditioned belly-dance classes, museums and outdoor nighttime yoga sessions (soon to start!)

6) Talking to people in cold climates while drinking Nestea.

7) Spending time with friends- they always distract me from the fact that I'm roasting! :-)

Out with friends at the Hard Rock Cafe.

8) I know which side of the street is going to be shady at any given time of day. Enough said.

9) Reading something interesting (or required for class the next day, either one will make me sit still for awhile, which helps me cool off).

10) Opening up all windows and doors in the apartment and standing in the cross-breeze.

11) COLD showers (plus I'm saving energy by not using the water heater!)

12) Rolling around in clay/mud (you know, like the elephants do!). Nope, not kidding!

Told you I wasn't kidding! At a natural clay deposit at La Sabana, a beach close to Caracas. As seen by my expression, this is a very strange concept to me.

Man, I'm hot. I think I'd better take my own advice, drink some COLD water and remain as immobile as possible (i.e. go to bed :) ). Until next time, here's hoping you're enjoying whatever climate you're in right now. I know that, in spite of everything, I'm still having a great time!