Rome is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. We often ascribe profound meanings to it as if we could experience moments there that we can never live in our own lives. However, sometimes, romance might not be one of the qualities we initially seek or prioritize, depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Rome, as one of the classic examples of the Mediterranean climate, has been a staple in geography lessons for years. We can all probably recite the phrase, “Hot and dry in the summer, mild and moderately rainy in the winter,” as if it were a tongue-twister.
As someone who has lived in Rome for about a year now, I can confidently say that this has been the hottest summer I’ve experienced. However, the heat I’m referring to is unlike the temperatures I encountered in Istanbul. For about the past month, I’ve felt as if there’s a steamy mirror between me and life. It seems that I have no control over my actions. My thoughts have lost their weight and drift aimlessly in my mind. My thoughts have lost their weight and drift aimlessly in my mind. Time has slowed down; people have retreated indoors, shops have started closing during the day, the protein and carbohydrate-heavy Italian cuisine has given way to lighter, easier-to-digest foods, and Rome’s buses, struggling with the heat, have become pitiful as their drivers battle the temperature, huffing and puffing as they climb hills. Although tourists continue to admire Rome with awe, they’ve realized that July might not be the best time to visit…
Not long ago, I told my dear friend Ahmet that I wanted to research the effects of heat on intelligence levels. However, he understandably found the topic too banal and suggested I should look into more creative subjects. Yet, even as Ahmet said this, I can’t describe the lightness I feel in my perception, as if the heat were not a part of this world.
Recently, the effects of the heat have significantly altered my sleep patterns, eating habits, social interactions, and work performance. It’s hard to put into words, but from what I have observed and experienced, managing the summer season in Rome might be one of the toughest problems to handle, both individually and collectively. The heat has a direct impact on everything that defines and is defined by humans—on individuals, society, the economy, health, and everything else.
Moreover, Italians are not used to using air conditioning. Although it seems like the only solution to this heat in homes, cafes, and restaurants, they prefer to combat the heat through other means due to its environmental impact and health concerns. Some of these methods include increasing fluid intake, consuming cold drinks and foods, using fans, and taking frequent showers…
Recently, the increase in temperature has also led to a rise in excessive water consumption, which, in turn, has caused long-lasting water shortages. This has almost been the final blow, leaving us reeling. In fact, we’ve already been in a state of exhaustion due to the heat… In fact, we’ve already been in a state of exhaustion due to the heat…
Another effect of the heat has been an increase in pests in homes. I have been experiencing the joy of hosting various types of insects in my home for the past week.
In summary, my body is trying to adapt. However, experiencing this adaptation mentally has also been an enjoyable experience. Based on the Native American saying, “To understand a person, you must first wear their clothes,” I propose that “If we are to live in a country, we must live it completely.”