Summer has definitely arrived in Toledo and I have conceded that it is time to use the AC. We’re averaging high 30s, on a bad day over 40 degrees Celsius, and get excited when the forecast only predicts a day under 35 degrees. I’m writing this at nearly 11pm, and it’s still 30 degrees out. Hot.

One very dull but very useful benefit is that I can do two loads of washing very quickly as by the time the second load has finished, the first one that I hung outside is already dry!

I’ve been hearing from friends and family that the UK is actually having a bit of a heatwave at the moment, so thought I’d share some tips that I’ve learned since living in Spain on how to deal with high temperatures.

1. It sounds pretty obvious, but drink plenty of liquids! Now of course water is the best one to drink, but the Spanish also embrace their bar/café culture and we make time for plenty of stops along the way to anywhere to sit in the shade and enjoy a glass of something cold – even better, find a rooftop terrace for more of a breeze. Embrace the Spanish lifestyle and plan more time into your walk to the shops to fit in a cold drink along the way…. or be really Spanish and don’t plan in the extra time and just be late!
2. Close the curtains! In Spain we have shutters on all the windows, which on hot days will be pulled down most of the day to keep the sun from getting in through the window and heating up the room. The same theory can apply for the UK but drawing blinds or curtains, which may feel weird during the day, but it really does work. Just don’t think it’s night-time and fall asleep!
3. Speaking of sleeping, this is where the world-famous Spanish Siesta has its time to shine. Keep your curtains drawn during the day and then in the afternoon you can take advantage of your cool, dark room to have a little nap – just don’t tell your boss if you’re working from home 😉
4.  I learned this trick from my sister-in-law for those nights when it’s just too hot to sleep – a cold-water bottle! The exact opposite of the British comforting hot water bottle, you freeze a bottle of water, the bigger the better, wrap it up in a towel or cloth, and fall asleep with it in bed. It really is a game changer and, in the days, before we got AC, it was an absolute lifesaver!
5. Stay in the shade. As soon as the temperatures start to rise, you’ll see the population of Spain walking in single file, seemingly huddled up against building walls/fences, to keep themselves in the little shade that there is on the street. You can always spot a tourist as they’re out in the middle of the street walking in the sun.
6. Get a handheld fan. There’s a reason your quintessential Spanish postcard / painting always includes a flamenco dancer, or an old Spanish señora sat on stone steps with a fan, because they work! Young and old will always carry a fan in their bag during the summer. You can get all sorts of fancy battery operated / rechargable / neck wrapping fans, but honestly nothing beats a good old fashioned handheld fan to keep cool. Luckily, if you were at the Annual Conference in Eastbourne this year, you should have an excellent example to hand.

Above all, be safe, and enjoy the sun while it lasts!

Email: engagement@srp-uk.org
Twitter: chai_khaneh
Instagram: @saragoli