Myrtle Claus
Nice, those summer temperatures! The sun that shines cheerfully when you get up. Clear blue skies with a stray cloud here and there. Weathermen and women who can't even detect a low pressure area. Ideal weather conditions that really belong to summer. Until the mercury slowly rises above that limit of 25°C or even 30°C. Then the puffing begins.
You suddenly understand why the pace in Italy is a bit lower with that heat. And wonder how those Italians manage to survive those summer temperatures. That's why here's a list of Italian tips for warm weather. How do you deal with the summer heat at home or on holiday?1. Stay inside
The most important tip is like an open door: if you can avoid it, don't go outside during the hottest part of the day. Plan what to do in the early morning or late afternoon. On a high summer day you will see very few Italians on the street between 12 and 16 or 17 pm. However, many foreign holidaymakers who feel tired in the evening after about 18 pm. While the Italian population then appears fresh and cooled to enjoy the evening.
2. Airing
Coolness and air circulation is the motto in times of high temperatures. Take advantage of the morning and evening coolness! Throw open windows and doors so that the fresher morning and evening air lowers the temperature inside. And don't be afraid of drafts: those air currents are really necessary to dissipate the heat.
3. Shut out the sun
Don't forget to close the windows again in the morning, before the air outside gets too hot, because otherwise everything would be for nothing. And just like the Italians, make sure not to get too much sunrays in. Lower the shutters, close the shutters or close your curtains. It may feel strange to make it dark inside when the sun finally shines outside, but it's a good way to keep it cool during the day.
4. Fans
Ventilators, the forerunners of the AC, which are still useful today. It's only when it's really warm that you know they are worth their weight in gold when you feel the airflow against your body. Although real Italian mothers would again not recommend sitting right in front of the fan, because of the risk of colds and stiff muscles. But it does feel very nice!
5. Siesta!
Don't do too much during the heat of the day, or better yet, do nothing. Have a real siesta! If you have the chance, of course, stretch out on the couch or to bed for an hour or so in the afternoon. And whether you fall asleep or not: your body is resting. And as a result, you can stay awake longer in the evening to enjoy the coolness!
6. Drink water
Drink plenty of water, possibly chilled, but not ice cold! And don't forget to take your bottle with you if you do have to go out. The heat causes moisture loss and maintaining your moisture balance is really important. Of course you can also alternate with some fruit juice, soda or a sports drink, but water is the best. Leave the alcohol alone for a while, even if the idea of a cool glass of wine or beer is very tempting. You can do that later, when it cools down a bit outside.
7. Eat light
Eat light meals and lots of fresh fruit! Italians do not eat too fat, especially in the warm summer period, but just pasta, vegetables and lots of fruit. Eating ice cream is also a very good way to cool down. Is not it awful?
8. Cooling with water
If the heat becomes too much, run your wrists under cold water. Or take a lukewarm shower. And if you really don't have the energy to walk all the way to the bathroom, you can also take a fresh foot bath to cool down.
9. Wear appropriate clothes
If you really have to go outside, make sure you stay out of the scorching sun as much as possible. Put on a cap or hat so your head doesn't catch too many rays. Wear light and airy clothes that doesn't pinch. Made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. It's best to leave that nice dress or pants made of synthetic material in the closet until the outside temperatures start to drop again: it is not airy and does not absorb sweat.
10. Be careful with the car
Park your car in the shade, without losing sight of what is and is not possible in traffic. That's an Italian custom that you don't have to adopt. Don't sit in the car for too long and don't let anyone wait in the car, even if you open the windows a crack. The temperatures in a car rise very quickly!
Your tips for warm weather?
They were. Ten authentic tips that appear at least once as a news item on Italian TV during the cucumber season. But we think there are many more. So let us know in a comment which survival trick you brought from Italy to survive the summer temperatures. We are very curious!
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