reversal of seasons

Things work a little bit differently here in the Middle East,
and that goes even for the seasons.

For instance, everywhere else across the Northern Hemisphere,
people are rejoicing because summer has finally come. They
go to the park or beach during the weekend and pretty much
try to spend every waking moment outside, just soaking up the
summer sun.

Over here, the modus operandi is as follows:
You do not, under any circumstances go outside in the summer
time. If you have to leave the air-conditioned house, office or
shopping mall you do so entirely at your own peril. With the
mercury pushing the early 50's and the humidity at at least
60 or 70%, you can understand why people seem to 'hibernate'
here during the summer months.

The sensation of going outside is very similar to repeatedly
opening the door of a very hot walk-in oven.

The added bonus of course, of spending all of the summer
months indoors, is that you end up sniffling and wheezing
through a bout of flu. And the mere idea of 'wrapping up
warmly' and snuggling down is suddenly not so appealing.

As for me, I'll just be staying at home for now, nursing my flu.
I'll tell you one thing though, I can't wait for winter to arrive,
so I can go to the beach!