Just Keep Cool

Dread.  That’s the word.  I am dreading the summer.

You know when it gets so hot and humid that you constantly look as if you just showered…except you didn’t?  I am not sure a more unpleasant sensation exists than a steady stream of sweat dripping down your body.

The best thing to do when dealing with the Japanese summer is simple to accept that you will be soaked through with sweat for approximately three months.  There is virtually no point in bothering with anti-perspirant deodorant.  It’s futile.

There is no escape.  

Since the March 11^th earthquake and the resulting chaos, electricity use has been significantly reduced.  The scheduled black outs did not last long at all.  This is because people have been extremely conscience of only using the electricity they need. (Side note: The amount of energy the world would save if everyone only used what they needed would be HUGE.)

So now we come to the problem: air conditioning. 

Air conditioning uses an enormous amount of power.  Should everyone decided to use their AC as usual, there would be a chance of power rationing.  And nobody wants that. 

Fans offer some relief.  Light, loose clothing helps.  Wearing ice packs around your neck is good.

But the single most important thing is this:  drinking water.

So here we are.  Sweltering and sweating through the summer.

Stay hydrated. Go swimming.  Keep cool. 

And wear sunscreen.