I hear it's rather hot in New Jersey and Ohio at the moment. I'm sure it's hot elsewhere in America as well. But I will say that I have never encountered such wilting heat as we have here now outside of Japan. You may not want to know this, but I have never sweat so much before! It's awful!
Just like in the US, the summer has been relatively mild in Japan as well. When I got here, it was certainly hot, but there were also some rainy days, which didn't seem to cool the weather down significantly, but perhaps they did. Now, it's truly hot, and Japanese and non-Japanese alike are complaining about it left and right. 'Atsui desu ne?' 'It's hot, eh?' can be heard quite frequently. Many Japanese women cover their arms and heads completely to avoid tanning, and many carry parasols as well. I have recently starting carrying a parasol and a hand-held fan, and even if I look mildly ridiculous doing so, it really helps! I have heard that the sun actually is significantly stronger in Japan, so it's really not a bad idea to protect oneself one way or another.
On an entirely unrelated note, I had fantastic gelato yesterday: kurogoma (black sesame) and cassis, which is a lot like blackberry. Delicious! I think I might combat the heat best by finding an excuse to have ice cream, sorbet, or kakigori (flavored shaved ice) each day!
Oh the wonders of cassis. I've had an urge to try making things with creme de cassis. I suppose I've also kind of wanted to try aquavit, a liquer made from cloudberries. Hmmm
ReplyDeleteNJ is steaming hot! I love it though. It is nice to see the sun after being in such a rain cloud this summer.
ReplyDeleteIs Japan always so hot? Or are the summers just that bad?
haha i remember when you broke out the umbrella in DC last summer! So fashionable! We should start that trend here in the US.
mmmm gelato :) I had wonderful ice cream last night at this cute little place in Ocean City. It reminded me of Avalon and how much I miss our gatherings in that wonderful town.
Hope the weather gets a little better. And yes the heat is a totally plausible excuse to get ice cream/flavored ice everyday :)
I still haven't decided on my study abroad area yet. I really want to talk to the department at my school before I choose anything. But it will most likely be in the Southeast Asian region. :) so you know what that means :)!
hmm on another note, I just finished an online anthro class on SE Asia. Pretty interesting. It really makes me want to go back right now!!
Alright, well keep in touch. Love reading your blogs. <3 xoxo from America to you!