It was 30/92 degrees yesterday and very sunny. Since I did not really have any pressing needs, I stayed home most of the day to avoid being too hot. I saw some fun ways people keep cool in the heat.

My apartment in Toulouse does not have air conditioning which common of homes and apartments in France. I am surprised at how relatively cool the apartment stays even in the heat. I am not sure whether it is the building composition (brick and stoned), the fact that my apartment is northeast facing and in a courtyard so does not get any direct sun or whether because we are on the banks of the river. Another factor that helps is the humidity is low unlike Washington/Alexandria so the heat does not feel as oppressive. Even without air conditioning, I do not have trouble sleeping in the heat.

I finally braved the heat in the evening to go to La Reserve for an Aperol Spritz. I really enjoy the cafe and the spritz. The manager gave me a free one today which was very nice. I think, as in many of the places I go, I am one of their most loyal and regular customers. Also, being the eccentric American, I think I am easily recognized.

When I headed over to the La Reserve around 6:30 pm, the banks of the Garonne were pretty empty of people as the sun was still out and it was hot. When I headed home around 8:45 pm, the banks of the river had filled with people. The sun was going down and it had gotten cooler. The light of the city is amazing – the clouds reflecting in the river, the pink buildings and the golden glow.

I cooked dinner which might be my last home cooked meal. I basically was clearing out some of the refrigerator so the meal was not very fancy. It was filling and good for a hot evening.