If you can’t take the heat, get a handkerchief

Lesson No. 1: Do not leave the house without hat and hanky in tow.

Both items are essential to maintaining a semi-presentable appearance: hanky mops up torrents of sweat and the sunblock that melts off my face approximately 6.8 nanoseconds after application; hat prevents UV-stir-fryings of my face.

The heat and perspiration take me back to my days as a grade-schooler in Taiwan. As my sister and I walked to school each day, we would remind each other of the items that we were required to carry. Teachers checked for these items, including hats and handkerchiefs, and punished negligent omissions.

The sun is a punishing force here. I plan to stay on its good side.