Summer nights

When I think about summers in the US, I think of music in the park, outdoor movies after dark, picnics, water play in the yard, and lots of camping.  I have so many fond memories of summer adventures as a child and as an adult. 

Summers in Japan are filled with other forms of memory making.  Festivals, fireworks, and escaping the city is key.  We've done the first two already, but have yet to escape the city this summer.  Instead I find myself hiding in my air conditioning as much as possible.  Between the heat and the loud noise of the semis (cicadas), I am wanting to skip the summer season.  There has to be a very big draw to get me outside these days.

Since homes are not central heated or cooled, we don't cool down the whole house at any one time.  We spend most of the day in our living room and kitchen, while the rest of the house bakes.  I often feel like I am going to the bathroom, laundry room, or racing to the bedroom for something in a sauna.  It can sometimes be suffocating.

About 30 minutes before bed, my husband dashes upstairs to turn on the bedroom air conditioners.  We now sleep all night with the cool air blowing, because any time it turns off the temperature goes up quickly. 

Summer is one of my favorite seasons in Seattle.  Okay.  To be honest, I love spring, summer, and fall.  In Tokyo, I feel like a teeter-totter between love and hate.  I love the activities and fun with friends and family.  However, I absolutely hate the heat and humidity. 

It takes me a while to adjust and just go forth into the nasty weather.  I start out strong, get overwhelmed, and then ramp back up after a bit.  Thank goodness I have friends (and a husband) that continually get me outdoors, because summer in Japan really is fun.