Have I Acclimatized?

My dad asked me the other day if I had acclimatized yet to the crazy hot and humid heat that we have been experiencing here in Manzanillo. Many of you have asked me this same question so I thought I would address it in this post.
Since I had only ever been to Manzanillo during tourist season in the past (November - May), I had yet to experience a summer here nor hurricane season. In the 10 years I had been vacationing here, I had only seen it rain once and while it was hot during the day, the humidity was not too bad and the evenings cooled down very nicely. Sometimes, in fact, I remember putting a pashmina or cardigan on when I was out for dinner in the evenings.

One of the first things my local friends said when I told them I was moving here to Manzanillo was, how on earth are you going to handle the heat and humidity of the summer months/hurricane season? Well, now I fully understand why everyone kept saying that to me!

Of course, I arrived in Manzanillo in the hottest month possible and the very start of summer and hurricane season. Clearly, I like to do things the hard way! Bottom line, it is FLIPPIN HOT here in the summer! And so, to answer your question as to whether I have acclimatized, the answer is a resounding NO. I have never experienced heat and the oppressive humidity that is typical of the summer months here. It tends to rain a lot but mostly in the evenings and everyone definitely welcomes the rain as it cools things off for a while.

But one thing I will say, is that I am starting to get used to constantly sweating, only walking the dogs before 9am and after 7pm, having multiple cold showers per day to cool off, and becoming one with the fans in my apartment. One of my friends was shocked when I said that I no longer use the hot water tap in my shower. He said, how on earth can you take a cold shower? Then he came to visit, and fully understood. It is one of the ways to truly cope and cool off. In fact, many Mexicans here do not have hot water at all. It is simply not required.

On a daily basis, I am in awe of Mexican woman who are walking around in high heels and polished outfits, looking completely fabulous without a drop of sweat on their body. I often wonder to myself, how do they pull that off? The answer is simple – acclimatization! One thing I have yet to achieve and may in fact never achieve.

The other day, it had cooled off a bit as it was storming and I was relishing the breeze. Ahhhhh, love, love, love the breeze. When I took a shower that night, I actually used some hot water in my shower for the FIRST time since I had arrived. What a thought!

I am starting to get used the heat a little bit though. I barely use the air conditioner in my room anymore, as I find the fan more than sufficient. I also carry a towel or napkins around when I go on walks to mop off the sweat that is pouring off my forehead. I never knew I could sweat so much.

So, there you have it. This sweaty Canadian is about to go and take her 3rd cold shower of the day!
PS Still do NOT miss winter and snow though!