My friends and I were laughing about a news article we saw. It said that parts of Europe were reeling from a massive heat wave with temps reaching up to 40 degrees. We thought it was a type, because 40 degrees is winter weather! We were wrong to laugh, but because we were so stoned we didn’t realize that they were talking about Celcius not Fahrenheit. It turns out that 40 degrees Celsius is roughly the same as 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is really dangerously hot, especially when you are not used to that kind of weather! I have come to find out that air conditioning systems are not nearly as common in Europe as they are here in the States. I guess that makes me spoiled, because I have never lived in a house that didn’t have a central HVAC system. Similarly, I have never worked an inside job that was not air conditioned. In our country, we have come to expect climate control no matter where we go. Even outdoor diners will often have portable cooling units set up under the tables to keep patrons comfortable. Overseas it is a whole different story, and very few homes are equipped with air conditioners, just because they aren’t needed as often. If these kinds of temps continue, I predict there will be a huge surge in demand for HVAC systems in those countries. Maybe I’m wrong, and those folks are just made of sterner stuff than we are. Maybe they can survive a heat wave without having to buy an air conditioner.