Wake up and check weather forecast. Says unreasonably hot. Think well that’s honest, if a little blunt. Can’t compete with my all time favourite - a British presenter referring to an offshore low pressure area “lurking with intent” - but still one for the collection. Then realise eyes not quite awake yet. Forecast actually says unseasonably hot.
Sad news regarding yesterday’s fires. Students were evacuated from a University of the Eastern Mediterranean campus, and British expats appear to have rescued a number of dogs and cats, who may well have had no specific owners. But the worst news concerns the damage to olive trees, some of which were a thousand years old.
Fehmi, our dentist, messaged yesterday to ask if we could come to the clinic today. Yes! The appointment is for eleven and we leave early enough that we get to sit in the shade under the ancient fig tree outside the mosque for a few minutes. Shade appreciated, especially since masks, regardless of fabric, are hotter than not wearing them. While the theory is that masks are always required outside one’s own home the practice seems a little freer. Everyone carries a mask, usually visibly, but most people seem only to slide it up to cover both mouth and nose when entering a building or approaching people outside. In other words they don’t actually have them fully on when driving their cars or walking alone on a city block. Seems likely that the police take a similar view when enforcing the law. Every day the number of infractions are reported, and they do involve charges and fines, but the numbers aren’t enormous and probably apply to those who have entered businesses unmasked or ignored reminders in public areas.
The vines in our courtyard garden are producing flowers now. Have no idea what the vines are, though the flowers look distinctive. And make an interesting linguistic discovery. The English word paradise comes from the Persian meaning enclosed garden.
