How to beat the Summer Heat

By Jean Huang and Lishea Chen
Translated by Ann Lee

Find out what the stars say about your summer
As we enter this hot, steamy season, it is written in the cards that the summer climate will be quite unpredictable. One day the sun will shine and the next will require an apprehensive visit to 7-11 for an emergency umbrella. Yes, this is definitely a season filled with uncertainty when it comes to how it is going to look outdoors. To give readers with an option besides the Weather Channel, tarot card reader/astrologer Becker provides some tips on how to stay cool this summer.

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) tend to pay attention to details. They can't help but notice that the mercury is rising, which can lead to a problem when their stress level rises with it. So, earth signs, why not kill two birds with one stone and spend time at an inspiring place, like the Art Museum, where you can cool down in the AC and not let your attention to detail go to waste. Also, lighting purple/red candles on the east side of your home will help you increase your self-confidence.

Water signs (Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer) have intricate minds, leading them to act with great skill and (sometimes judgmental) attention. This summer, try not to care so much about other people's opinions and judgments. Don't let others influence your inner feelings. A great way to help you relax this season is to wear a light crystal, which is especially effective on nights with a full moon. Also, practicing some yoga moves will help you loosen up a bit. It might not be a bad idea to do some breathing exercises and stretch often to get rid of the stress you encounter in the "heat" of the moment.

Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) will find themselves losing patience as the temperature rises. A great way to calm down would be taking a trip to the coast. The vast blue ocean will reduce your internal heat, making your short temper a bit longer. As a reminder, don't forget to wear a lucky charm and allow the ocean to absorb its energy and convert it back into you, which will open doors for you during the second half of the year.

For Air signs (Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra) this is a turn-around year, so allow yourself to take up more professional and vocational knowledge. This will be good for your career at the beginning of next year. Visit places like the Science Museum and Botanical Gardens—the flowers and plants will do wonders for your luck!
--By Becker of the Chinese Asia Tarot Card Association

Tips for cooling down this summer:
1. Wear Light Clothing
Choosing what to wear in summer can be easy; simply pick out something that is light-colored with simple cuts, absorbs perspiration, and is breathable and thin. Comfort is key. It's best to wear clothing that dries quickly, such as cotton, chiffon and linen, or any fabric that absorbs sweat easily. Wearing breathable clothes helps you stay and feel cool.

2. Eating Light
It can be quite a difficult task to find something appetizing to eat with all the heat in the air. That being said, it's always nice to have a plate of fresh fruit and a vegetable salad as your appetizer, and some light Thai or Japanese-style dishes for a main course. With your salad, try making your own dressing—something slightly sweet and sour, like yoghurt, is ideal for summer. Thai food is generally sour and spicy, so it actually helps stimulate your appetite, even when you don't feel like eating. Japanese-style cold noodles, salad or sashimi are all low in calories and refreshing choices you can try. In addition, there are many sweet treats to choose from in summer: shaved ice, ice cream, and cold bean jelly—not to mention all the cold beverages that are sold everywhere in Taiwan. As a reminder, germs get into food easily during humid weather, so not only should you try to eat light and refreshing food, but also only eat or buy items that are cooked, stored and sold in a hygienic manner.

3. Enjoy Light Exercise
Nowadays, it's easy to find indoor sports venues. These places not only have music to keep you motivated, but are also air-conditioned. Going to a gym, a pool, a badminton arena or yoga meditation center is great; not only can you avoid heat, but indoor sports centers have virtually no weather limits—you can enjoy them any time of the day, in any kind of weather. Choosing the right sport and doing adequate amounts of exercise are important to remember as well. Don't ruin the joy of exercising by overdoing it and getting an injury, and always hydrate before, during and after your workout. On the other hand, if you really enjoy the outdoors, then try to avoid the hottest time of the day between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and slap on some high-UV sunblock to avoid sunburn. If you are just someone who doesn't like working out at all, then meditation is ideal for you. As the Chinese say, "You can achieve inner calm and coolness through your own mindset."

4. Add "Green" to Your Environment
Placing plants inside your apartment or house can ease your mind from the busy lifestyle you lead, and make your home feel livelier at the same time. Plants and trees have stress relieving properties. Take a walk in a park or hiking area and breathe some fresh air.

5. Take a Bath
Who says you can't take a bath when it is steaming hot outside? Taking baths can be very pleasant throughout summer as long as you remember to adjust the water temperature with your body temperature. Of course, common sense will tell you to avoid hot water, because you don't want to suffer from heat stroke in your own bathtub! Before you jump in a pool of warm water, drip in some essential oils to help you relax, or some soothing bath salts. Play some soft, romantic music with a cold beverage in hand. Now that is a bath!

Great spots for water activities in Taichung

Feeling hot? Here are several great water-related options to beat the heat around Taichung.
Yachting Fun: After departing from Taichung Port's Tourist Fishing Harbor, these boats follow the direction of the wind. Sailing west allows a complete view of Taichung harbor, and provides a splendid night view. Passengers going north can see a dozen white windmills, the Red Forest Ecology Area, the Dajia River's mouth, and a view of the national highway. In the summer, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Chinese white and gray dolphins coming out to play. Speaking of luck, when the temperature gets warm enough, you might even see a true mirage! Call (04) 2657-8282 to make reservations for yachts. There are four price ranges for the tickets. Adults are NT$350; children are NT$150. You can even have some fun catching crabs on the side of the harbor, and enjoy a complimentary buffet meal and fruit.

Wang Gong Oyster Picking Tour: This trip, taken while the tide is out, makes for great fun, catching crabs and mudskippers that reside along seashores at the Red Forest. Afterwards, you may take a special vehicle with oyster picking families and experience a different kind of fun while touching toads and playing hide-and-seek with crabs, as well as checking out the unique oyster fields where you can taste fresh, delicious oysters right on the spot. The whole tour is three hours long and costs NT$350. If you get there early enough, you can even rent tandem bicycles and enjoy milking goats, as well as taste some fresh milk and other dairy products. To make a booking, call the Changhua County Wang Gong Industrial & Tourism Development Association at: (04) 893-6748.

Water Fun in the City: Beneath Hong Yang Bridge, you will find yourself looking at the Fa Zi River, located within the city and a great spot for escaping the summer heat. There is a shady, cool and creative public area for some water fun, equipped with some nice playground facilities. More conveniently, you will find two nearby parking lots. A small performance square holds events at different times of the year. It is not surprising that Fa Zi River was once voted one of Taiwan's "Finest Park Grounds". Apart from the river, you can also visit Mei-Chuan Park, located next to the cultural center, and Feng-Le Park, also a good stop to hide from the sun. For something a bit more extraordinary, visit Zhong-Shan Park, where you can row boats while sipping a cool drink. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some water fun!