It really does amaze me. The layers they remove so I can examine whichever body part is ailing them; it really is amazing. Today the most was four layers, and they were full layers. Sometimes, they come in with heavy coats on and I marvel even more.
I left the central building at the guesthouse the other night to return to my room and took pleasure in the coolness the night had brought. Out of curiosity I checked the temperature. It was only down to 93 degree. As much as I am thankful to be warm, I am equally struggling with the adjustment. Togo has entered it's hot season, and with it a slight rise in humidity level (instead of 3% humidity is up to 43%). Without going into details, sleep has been fitful at best the past week. I'm finding as much as it's a learning process here in Togo; it's equally a process of acclimatization. My current goal is to get to the point where I can stop focusing on the heat. Once it just becomes a part of life, I can hopefully settle a bit more rather than struggle with it, and then perhaps rest again.
I've almost contemplated purchasing one of the mats the Togolese sleep on. A mattress now-a-nights feels more like an oven radiating back the body heat it's absorbed, but cranked to the nth degree. I'm ashamed to admit that my immediate visceral reaction when I realized the general Togolese population sleep on mats was pity. It exhibits my naivety, and illustrates the American culture dictating my preconceived opinions. The jokes on me now. How they must pity us silly folk trying to find a cool position on our stuffy mattresses. There's some nights I've contemplated camping out on my floor, and more than a few days when I'm trying to read that I'll slide down and sprawl out on my tile. How disappointed I've been to find the tile is just as warm as everything else.
Hot season is bringing its challenges as I try to balance health and function with adjustment and respect of my environment. Currently failing in regard to achieving that equilibrium, but will figure it out eventually.
Much Love.
You could imagine a little apartment in Valhalla, NY in March. That'd be apt to cool you off. 🤣
I have to admit, those are words I had never imagined I would hear from you.😂