It's getting warm

A rare peaceful beach

Since I have been back from the UK we have been to a few beaches on the lake and on the river.  Finally we have found one that doesn’t have ridiculously loud music at every turn. There is always at least one sound system, usually more, polluting the space, meaning you have to scream to be heard.

We have also been to friends’ swimming pools when the opportunity arises – anything to escape the incredible heat. Official temperatures record 39, 40 degrees, but the real temperature can reach the high 40s. If you thought the English like to talk about the weather, come to Palmas – everyone complains about the “infernal heat”. I have avoided complaining about the heat since I have been here. Partly because complaining won’t make it any cooler but it will make me focus on the heat, and partly as I have been saving my complaint credits for August and September, when the real heat hits, in case I needed them. So far I haven’t, but I’m not far off.

A single pesky cloud ruining the view

It’s a dangerous business just getting in the car if it’s been in the sun. I burnt my hand on the metal seat belt buckle the other day. It’s impossible to touch the windows or car doors and the car seats feel like they are scolding your back. At least clothes dry quickly though. I pity those without a car, and those who have to work outside in the sun.

Fire in front of our building

The other day the unoccupied plot of land in front of our flat caught fire. Roughly 1000 square metres of dry grass, turned black and burnt within 30 minutes. Possibly caused by a stray cigarette, a piece of glass or metal, land here is so dry fires start so easily. I often drive past small fires within the city. Apparently, the fire brigade have no duty to attend fires on land where no-one lives, so the fires just burn, each one adding a little to the urban heat.