Coping with the heat

Since my arrival in Japan years ago I have been on a quest for the best way to cope with summer heat. I often changed my diet to avoid feeling drowsy and sluggish, I tried outdoor sports and even stopped using air-conditioning in the hope that I would easily adapt to rising temperatures. It has been a hit-or-miss experience.

However, I also found that some simple solutions worked wonders. For example, on hotter days taking more time to walk to the station results in less strain and therefore more body and mind balance and less perspiration. In the morning, filling my bath with cold water to take a dip in throughout the day helps me relax and regain focus. The more time you give yourself to reduce stress and cool down, the more likely you will be to go through your day happily.

What are you doing to help you through the humidity and heatwaves?

AP

While watching a horror movie ...

This isn't what you want to see.

If you're not sure what I'm talking about then take another look at the saugage in my hotdog. Don't you think it looks a bit like a finger? (the bit that looks like a fingernail was actually a bubble that had somehow formed at the end of the sausage...)

Despite my mild shock when I looked down to finish my food, it was very tasty.

And eagle-eyed cafe conisseurs may recognise the shop I was at.

Never the same coffee ...

I have been drinking coffee since high school and went through a few variations of this popular beverage. Those included soy and almond cappuccinos, brandy, egg and sugar winter coffees, honey-sweetened lattes, or chili powder espressos. I have always tried to find new ways of ‘enriching’ my drinks to boost the experience. Now, as the weather became hotter, I started looking for something refreshing and remembered I once had a Starbucks brew with a fruity hint which gave me that invigorating feeling you seek in the summer.

I looked around the kitchen and started experimenting. I finally managed to recreate the flavour from Starbucks by simply adding a spoonful of apple juice!

A bit of colour for the blog ...

While out and about I often come across small but very well cared for gardens, and right about now you can see the results of the owner's love and attention.

These are just a small selection of the flowers that I've found growing around my neighbourhood.

I just wish I could name all of these pretty flowers. (If you do know then feel free to leave a reply in the comments!) Perhaps someday I'll find the time (and develop the skill) to grow them myself.

However, my last attempt at growing something failed miserably, so it may be some time before I try again ...