Bucharest Heatwave Hacks

Summer 2024 in Bucharest, Romania is an absolute scorcher, breaking records and testing the limits of our endurance. The official thermometer may read a sweltering 36 degrees Celsius, but anyone who’s dared to step foot in the concrete jungle of our city knows that the actual temperature feels much higher, often pushing 40 degrees or more. The heat radiates off the pavement and buildings, creating an urban inferno that’s hard to escape.

As a concerned parent, keeping my energetic 6-year-old son Eric cool and comfortable has become my number one priority, overshadowing even my own discomfort. In a moment of inspiration (or perhaps desperation, as the line between the two blurs in this oppressive heat), I decided to take matters into my own hands. After a quick trip to the local home improvement store, I returned triumphant with a modestly-sized inflatable pool. With some effort and a fair bit of sweating, I managed to install it in our small backyard. It’s nothing fancy – certainly not the oasis you’d find at a resort – but it’s quickly become the hottest spot on our street, pun very much intended! Eric and the neighborhood kids, previously lethargic and cranky from the heat, have found new life in this plastic paradise. They’ve turned it into their own little water park, splashing, laughing, and playing with an enthusiasm that only children can muster, all in a valiant effort to escape the relentless heat that has gripped our city.

As I sit in the shade of our old oak tree, watching them frolic in the pool with unbridled joy, I can’t help but daydream about having a full-sized swimming pool. I imagine a sparkling blue oasis, complete with a diving board and perhaps even a small waterslide. In my mind’s eye, I can see landscaped surroundings, comfortable lounge chairs, and maybe even a little pool house. It’s a nice fantasy, a mental escape from the reality of our current heatwave. But then I look back at the kids, their faces beaming with happiness as they splash in our modest inflatable pool, and I realize that for now, this simple setup is doing the trick beautifully.

While supervising these aquatic adventures and making sure no one gets too rowdy (a constant challenge with excited children), I found myself absentmindedly scrolling through eBay on my smartphone. What started as a casual browse soon turned into a focused hunt for more ways to transform our outdoor space into a true summer retreat. The more I looked, the more excited I became about the possibilities. I stumbled upon some garden products that seem absolutely perfect for this sweltering season, items that could take our backyard from merely functional to genuinely delightful, even in this oppressive heat.

First, there’s this amazing hammock, which is 50% OFF with this link.

I can already picture myself swinging gently with friends, enjoying a cold drink and good conversation. It looks like the ideal spot for a lazy summer afternoon.

Then I saw a sofa lounger that practically screamed luxury.

Not only does it look incredibly comfortable, but it also provides much-needed shade from the intense sun. It also has these floating chairs, which you can move them around as you wish. I can imagine spending hours there, reading a magazine or simply watching the kids play.

Or… this one in red, that looks like an extended bed, because… let’s be honest, Eric, our cats and dog would want to be all over me when they see me laying here.

You can get in white, if you don’t have kids or pets like my sister in the UK, Roxana:

Anyway…these finds have me dreaming of transforming our modest yard into a proper oasis. The possibilities seem endless, and my mind races with ideas. I envision a space where comfort meets functionality, where every corner offers a respite from the unrelenting heat. Perhaps a pergola draped with climbing vines could provide additional shade, or a misting system could offer a refreshing spray on particularly sweltering days. I contemplate adding a small outdoor kitchenette, perfect for preparing cool drinks and light snacks without heating up the house. The thought of string lights twinkling overhead in the evenings adds a touch of magic to my mental picture.

While we may not have a resort-style pool with infinity edges and built-in jacuzzis, I’m beginning to realize that with a few well-chosen additions, we can create our own little paradise to weather this Bucharest heatwave. It’s not about competing with luxury resorts or our neighbors; it’s about crafting a space that brings us joy. Each small improvement, whether it’s a new lounge chair or a colorful umbrella, adds to the overall comfort and enjoyment of our outdoor area.

I make a mental note to involve Eric in the planning process. After all, this is as much his space as it is ours, and I’m sure he’ll have plenty of creative ideas to contribute. Perhaps we could even turn some of the improvements into fun DIY projects, creating memories as we build our backyard retreat together.

For now, though, I’ll focus on the joyful sounds of kids splashing in our makeshift pool. Their laughter is the sweetest music, a reminder that happiness often lies in the simplest of pleasures. The squeals of delight as they play their made-up water games, the excited chatter as they plan their next pool adventure, the contented sighs as they float on their backs looking up at the clear blue sky – these are the sounds of summer, the soundtrack of childhood memories in the making.

As I watch Eric and his friends, their faces flushed with excitement rather than just heat, I’m struck by a realization. While a larger pool or fancier garden furniture might add to our comfort, they can’t compare to the joy I see before me. These children have found a way to not just endure the heatwave, but to thrive in it, to turn it into an opportunity for fun and friendship. As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over our little backyard oasis, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Yes, the heat is still intense, and yes, there’s still a long list of improvements I’d like to make to our outdoor space. But right here, right now, watching these children create joy out of the simplest of setups, I realize we’ve already created something truly special.

So while I’ll continue to dream and plan for future enhancements to our backyard retreat, I’ll also make sure to savor these moments. After all, their laughter is the true measure of our success in creating a summer oasis, and it’s a sound I want to cherish for years to come. In the end, it’s not the fancy additions or perfectly manicured landscapes that make a space special – it’s the memories we create and the love we share within it.