The heat

Package holiday firms have been known to offer part refunds if the
weather undershoots expectations. Though 28 degrees Celsius with air
almost saturated with humidity might not lead to a successful claim,
one might be excused for soliciting recompense. A holiday in such
climbs would be unbearable to even the most seasoned explorer.

Yet that is precisely the situation in which I find myself. For each
day is cool by the standards of the warmer climes that many a British
holidaymaker escapes to during the summer. Yet in Haiti the heat is
unimaginable until experienced. It is a good job that I am not here
for a holiday. Save for a cold shower, you would stay in an almost
permanent state of perspiration.

The daily struggle of work becomes more tiresome when the humidity
sets in. You cannot escape from it without the vast expense of air
conditioning. Supermarkets, therefore, are welcome relief from the
discomfort.

Sleeping in such heat becomes an achievement. The air is close and
soon your bed is utterly drenched with the balmy heat of the night.
There is no respite – no yearned for breeze to keep us going.