Summer in NY

When I left Tirana, Albania, last month the summer heat was felt there with midday Fahrenheit temperature in the mid 80's. Most boulevards, however, offer some shade to pedestrians, flanked on both sides by long lines of mature trees, and the evenings are very pleasant. Although there is not much wind such as we experience in NY, the clouds there would appear in the morning and, after a brief shower, disappear quickly giving in to the sun that can scorch heads by noontime.

This month in NYC we have constant higher temperature in the 90's, and last week we even went over the 100 mark! Many hats and parasols that are quite common in Albania have also appeared in NY streets these days. The air conditioners are working full force, and the city electrical grid is overburdened. Some area have experienced blackouts and the media is reminding everyone to conserve usage of electricity by running appliances during the night hours, if possible.

NYC has opened hundreds of cooling centers to help some people, especially elders that may lack air conditioning at home; small children can enjoy being splashed by sprinklers in the playgrounds, and the outdoor public pools are quite crowded.

Three weeks ago I resumed my aquatic sessions at the indoor pool, where I am a member to exercise and enjoy aqua aerobics at least twice a week when in NY, even in winter.

Although it takes time to go and come from the place, for some of us that cannot take a good, long vacation away from the city, it's a great feeling to be able to sweat in the water rather than on pavement, and be ready to tackle the rest of the work day after a refreshing shower.