End of heatwave

Intense heat drove people away
from the streets

The heatwave is finally giving way to cooler weather. A cool breeze was blowing throughout the day despite the 36 degrees that beat down the entire country. This came after several drizzles last night. It was good to hear drops of rain hitting the roofs. It cleaned the air. One good thing though, there were no forest fires. Most of the ground is covered by fine yellow sand blown in from the hamsin winds. It leaves your lips and eyes irritated and many people are coughing and wheezing. Even as I'm writing now, I can hear the scattered patter of drizzle on my window. Hopefully it will wash away the sand from the air.

It's exam time. Students are nervous ... those who actually care about studying though. But the thought of a long summer holiday provides good motivation for them to study hard for the exams. Many of our students and profs will be going home for the summer. I will have to work in the libraries ... lots of re-organisation and moving of books. I can't do it alone as my diaphragm hernia is hurting too much. I'll need to hire students looking for summer jobs. That means having to pay them ... and supervising their work as summer job students are famous for playing around and having a good time rather than seriously working. Not looking forward to this stress.

There was an article yesterday in the newspapers about frankincense water and its curative qualities. I know that local arabs chew on frankincense for stomach illnesses, but apparently by soaking frankincense in boiling water overnight and drinking it is good for arthritis, inflammation and even cancer. Only thing stopping me from trying it is if I'm allergic to it. I don't want to end up in the emergency room again.