Summer Never Ends

This is one of my favorite photos that epitomizes summer: bright sun, swimming suit, watermelon… except that it was taken in November. 😅
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We get summer year-round here, which is what most people would expect. However, people are surprised that it’s not a dry desert heat but a balmy humid one. The capital, Riyadh, gets the typical desert temps – unbearably hot and dry in the day, cool at night. But since we’re on the coast, we get humidity and lack of temp variety. ☀️🔥
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This will be my first real summer here. A lot of expats clear out by early June when the universities and international schools start summer break. We’ve done the same the past two years because by late May the temperatures are already flirting with 100 degrees every day and humidity is around 50%.
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My glasses fog up just stepping out of the house and I’m drenched in sweat after buckling one kid into a car seat. Air conditioners strain to keep up and drip streams of water down the wall with effort. Swimming pools are warmer than bath water and walks, even in the evening, are uncomfortable at best.
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Despite the heat, I love the sunshine. Cloudy or gloomy days are extremely rare but I’ve actually come to appreciate them when they do occur. 🌤
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It makes sense why this country has more of a late night culture and why they love malls. They’re the best place to go during the day throughout these sticky, sweltering months. Thankfully they’ll be opening soon!