Summer isn't the same in Italy as it is in the U.S., even if the temperature is exactly the same.
In Italy, especially Calabria, air conditioning isn't as prevalent as it is in the U.S., and a lot of Italians believe it's bad for you, so you don't see them pumping it 24 hours a day like we do in the States!
And because a lot of the time, you'll walk, rather than drive, to the store, doctor's office, et cetera, you're immediately hit with a wall of heat and humidity. Frankly, I don't know how everyone else deals with it...or am I just a delicate flower?
Anyhoo, here are a few tips I have for staying cool(ish) in hot Calabria in the summer.
1. Bring an Insulated Water Bottle
Water bottles are only now making their way to hot Calabria, but most of them aren't insulated as nicely as the bottles I brought from the U.S. Whenever I travel, my water bottle is a must.
The great thing about Italy is that you can easily find a fountain to fill up your water bottle, and it's usually nice and cool.
2. Eat Gelato. Or Granita
Seriously. When you feel like you're melting, not only will an icy treat instantly lower your body temperature, it'll also put you in a better mood. Who can stay grumpy while eating fresh green apple gelato?
I've found shelf-stable granita bowls you just pop in the freezer, so when I'm dying after running errands in the heat, I'll enjoy one of these. I'm also addicted to Estathe, which is bottled sweet tea that also comes in popsicle form!
3. Stop in a Church
Whether you're religious or not, a church is a great resting place when you're hot and tired. They're usually cool and quiet, and nobody minds you sitting for a spell.
4. Buy a Fan (or Five)
I now have paper fans littered all over my house and in all my purses. I do not care that I look like a cranky old lady when I whip mine out at dinner. Sometimes a fan is the only thing keeping me sane!
5. Drink a Beer. Or a Spritz
I don't need an excuse to drink a cool alcoholic beverage, but maybe you do. This one is better with friends!
Bonus Tip: Head to the Mountains
So much of Calabria is on the coast, where it's always hot. But driving even 20 minutes away into the mountains can provide some respite. Even when we go to Davoli, it's remarkably cooler than Soverato.
A Note on Sleeping without A/C
I'm currently experiencing this, though we have air conditioning at home. Fra is one of those Italians who doesn't like it too cold, so we're at odds. And I'm suffering from night sweats, so...yeah.
We sleep with the windows wide open, though the metal shutters block a lot of the cool air from getting in. I have not one but two fans blowing directly on me, one that I can put water and ice into.
I find that if I put the shutters down when the sun is setting in the late evening, it keeps the room from heating up, which helps it cool down.
One word of advice: if you're traveling, make sure the hotel has air conditioning! It's not a given!
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