Coping with Heat Waves in the South of France and Hot Air from Across the Atlantic Ocean
Before repeated heat waves gripped the South of France, dipping in the pool was pampering, now it is a survival need. I retired in 2003 in a pre-heatwave era, and I bought an apartment in Rio de Janeiro and a house in the south of France. Having been an outdoor gal all my life, I wanted to enjoy my retirement in warm places with a celebrated outdoors culture like in Rio and Provence. For the first twenty years, my plan worked out fabulously until climate change and global warming reshaped the previously balmy, sunny and easy-going Provence into a hellish spot where going out is potentially hazardous to one’s life. One of the great delights of being in this part of France was the prospect of settling down at an outdoor café after exploring the picturesque village streets in the company of friends. Temperatures now commonly reach 40 ºC (over 104 F), resulting in reduced outdoor activities and less social interaction. I very much m...