FREAKISHLY HOT WEATHER

The weather in Rjazan has been so hot that they said it is the hottest it has been in 100 years. Thanks.

The last few nights I have been getting back to the flat where I am staying a bit late in the evening and although it is a bit nice outside there is no breeze in the bedroom where I am sleeping. I am normally a person who is cold (always). I carry a jacket everywhere with me in SoCal. I have not wanted to or needed to carry anything even when I sit in the air conditioning because I think I am so thankful to be in the cool air that I sometimes wish I didn’t have to leave.

Last night we went to a sports bar after debriefing the conference. It was not as crowded as I thought it would be and although the air conditioning had been on the night before you could not feel it last night. So by the time I got back to my flat at 2am I really wanted to sleep in a tub of cool water, but opted not to in case the couple I’m staying with should think there is a giant fish in their bathroom when the sun arose several hours later.

Laying in the bed for a few hours feeling like I was just roasting in an oven made me thankful for clean, cold, running water and air conditioning. By 7am I was awake, not because the sun was pouring in the window but because I was laying in a pool of sweat. I laid there as long as I could and finally got up and moved slowly to the shower in anticipation of how wonderful this cool, running water would feel as it would hit my face. I really wanted to use all of Rjazan’s water supply up in my one shower, but thought I better not.

When I sat down to have breakfast with Dima he announced that they decided they will get air conditioning. I emphatically encouraged him and told him all the reasons it would be healthy (ha ha).

I normally don’t complain because of heat but this is seriously the HOTTEST weather I think I have ever experienced.

Thank goodness for Coffee Bean and it’s free wifi and air conditioning. Actually, I mean – thank goodness for Coffee Bean and it’s air conditioning, free wifi and mega cappuccinos that are GOOD and not EXPENSIVE. Do you think if I give them some money they will let me sleep in one of the chairs over night? I could tell them that I can be their security for the evening.

Life is good.