From my cool Italian oasis... in Another OD refugee

Yes, it is an exceptionally hot summer in much of Europe, and an early one.  33°C/92°F outside as I work at the desk in my climate-controlled 23°C/74°F sitting room and watch the sweltering tourists packed like sardines on the vaporetto traversing the Grand Canal.  But I chuckle every time I hear someone complaining of the heat, yet stating that they, "only need air conditioning a few days/weeks a year", so it is not worth it.  Even if I needed to use it one day every 5 years, believe me, there would be a/c sitting there waiting for me to hit the button.  I'm also practical enough to accept that Venice is a sauna in July and August (and lately June), so I join the exodus of Venetians who abandon the city in the summers.  Let the tourists wilt in the heat and humidity - not to mention serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet for the mosquitoes.