The supermarket is busier than normal. People seem to be rushing around. The air-conditioning is working at its maximum capacity, for sure. It is almost seven o’clock and the temperature outside is still hovering around 40°C. Typical July….
I see a sea of heads choosing tubs of ice-cream, hands struggling with the numerous cans of cold drinks, arms holding onto the life-saving water in glass bottles that are frosted with condensation. The clicking of the beer bottles as they are placed carelessly in the metal trolleys is almost musical. The shoppers mumble discontently as they stare at the wilted vegetables on display. An old lady shakes her head in disbelief as she tries to find aubergines that are not wrinkled. Her plans for the next day’s ”İmambayildi” (*) is in jeopardy. Yet she is determined. The expression on her face does not need too much effort to be read. “A heat wave is not going to stop me” Cypriots refuse to accept that this is not a heat wave but a long ( very long) lasting summer heat. Amnesia becomes commonplace”It was not so hot last year””This is a record” ” Just a few days and it will be over”. The mountains of watermelons change shape as the enormous green balls are picked up periodically. They need to be cut and cooled….
The rush continues…
There is a long and hot summer night ahead….
FRECKLE DIARIES 
Leave a comment