Yesterday a terrible thing happened. I organised a hike for this hiking group I joined, to take them up the Tiger’s Head, which is one of my favourite hikes. I’ve actually reached the peak in 45 minutes, but that was back in March when it was very cool. But yesterday we set off, and when I reached about 200 metres, I just couldn’t go on. My eyes felt like they wouldn’t focus, things started to get blurry, I couldn’t catch my breath, and my feet wouldn’t step straight. So I did something I’ve never done before — I abandoned the hike.

I felt awful because I was supposed to be leading the hike, and I ended up giving the other hikers the directions and turning back. I was more than a bit embarrassed, and ashamed. After all, what kind of a hike leader abandons their group from heat stroke?

However, a few friends who have lived here for years have told me that this is the hottest summer they have ever experienced. And I personally find that even as an island girl who has endured two days of feting during Carnival and millions of hours at the beach, that Hong Kong is a lot hotter, heavier, more humid, and stickier. Heck, even at 8 pm, it’s still 28’C. It is like the heat just won’t give up.

Sigh. I must be getting old. Maybe I should move to Florida. Or Vancouver.