Ramadan/Day 10

A scorching, seasonal heat wave has hit Algiers. Yesterday, the temperature was 36°C (95°F). Such temperatures, already lasting for three days, will continue through tomorrow. Fires in the mountains, sparked by dry conditions, convey smoke northwards, which covers the city. A few days of summer in the exact middle of autumn, accompanied by atmospheric hawe and fumes-the resulty of warm air originating in regions of the Sahara. The heat is that much more difficult because it comes in the midst of Ramadan. People perspire, limit their activities, and search for any small piece of shade, especially one associated with a bit of breeze. They look tired and struggle to keep up their work and endeavors, although most comes to a halt by 1 PM. Dawiya, my hotel chambermaid, always so vivacious, admits to tiredness-the weather, the traffic, the transit between air-conditioned areas and those not so, the family holiday preparations, and late nights. All takes its toll; and it's only day 10 of Ramadan! As usual, older persons feel the effects of the heat the most. They are stretched to the limit but exert every effort to hold on. They won't even think of breaking the fast, to even mention the subject is a sacrilege. To prevent dehydration, children are allowed to drink water. Others seek to kill time by pacing back and forth, perhaps catching a nap. It's not so much the heat even, but the fatigue and thirst. Yet, frenzied shopping for the post-sunset meals barely slows. Moreover, relief is on the horizon. In another day, atmospheric disturbances are supposed to bring thunderstorms, gusts of wind, and a 10° fall in temperatures. Allah may test people but not beyond endurance.