Luis Pacherrez Antón, president of Agroperu Cooperative in Peru's "city of eternal heat," starts his day before 9am because the sun apparently doesn't believe in sleeping in. He and his 102 small-scale farmers stay cool by eating their own produce - bananas, oranges, lemons, grapes, papayas, and avocados - because nothing says relief like a fruit salad under a burning sun.
In Aqaba, Jordan, diving instructor Obada Almaitah schedules physically demanding tasks for early morning, because 40°C is apparently the new room temperature. He recommends flipping your schedule to do chores before work - yes, that means mowing the lawn at dawn.
Despina Savvidou, a tour guide at the Acropolis for 48 years, notes that 32°C used to be hot but is now "normal." She books tours at 7:45am, before the site even opens, because between 8am and 10am, even 40°C is apparently "OK." Sure, Despina.
Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, who works at sites like Saqqara, emphasizes drinking water regularly - not waiting until you're thirsty. Revolutionary advice, really.
Dr. Sherene M El-Sioufi in Jeddah recommends laban, a yoghurt-based drink, for hydration and electrolytes. Meanwhile, lifeguard Luiz Eduardo Dos Santos Nascimento in Rio keeps a water bottle nearby, because dehydration is bad for business.
John Napolo, a wildlife manager in Namibia, carries five litres of water daily - drinks three or four, pours the rest on his head. Professor Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney endorses this: pouring water on skin cools you faster than drinking it, because sweating without the effort is a win.
Dr. Youssouf Moussa in Djibouti, where temperatures can hit 53°C, suggests wetting clothes lightly for evaporative cooling. El-Sioufi recommends a cool damp cloth on neck, wrists, or forehead for sleeping.
Ice towels around the neck, as seen on tennis players, are backed by Jay's research for Tennis Australia: 80 seconds of neck cooling works wonders.
Savvidou swears by warm showers - three times a day, no soap after the first. El-Sioufi agrees: lukewarm showers allow gradual cooling, unlike cold ones that shock the system.
Michael Haindongo, a guide in Namibia, sometimes lies on a wet towel and keeps windows open - assuming no animals are threatening.
The Ovahimba people apply red ochre on exposed skin, a natural UV blocker thanks to high iron oxide content. Who needs sunscreen when you have butterfat and dirt?
Dr. Michael Schwandt in British Columbia suggests immersing small children's legs in a bathtub or bucket for quick cooling. Cool, damp cloths also work - no need for freezing, just cool.
Moussa's team limits movements from noon to 3pm, except for emergencies. Haindongo prefers working by moonlight if necessary.
Federica Salvo in Sicily, where Europe's record 48.8°C was set, notes that construction and agriculture work is prohibited from 12:30pm to 4pm. Long breaks in the shade are encouraged.
Savvidou's hot-weather dinner: apricots, cherries, banana in yoghurt with raisins. Lunch: vegetables in olive oil with feta and a big salad. No potatoes, rice, or pasta - because carbs are apparently the enemy.
Carmen Vallejo Carmona in Seville lives on gazpacho, salmorejo, marinated anchovies, and the occasional ice-cream. Lunch is at 2-3pm, dinner after 9pm.
Moussa avoids heavy meals at midday, opting for lahooh flatbread, tea, and grilled fish. Dr. Rashmi Sarkar in New Delhi touts yoghurt, buttermilk, coconut water, watermelon, and mangoes as cooling.
Almaitah replaces electrolytes with melon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and yoghurt. Napolo's rangers use traditional knowledge of water-rich plant roots.
El-Sioufi debunks the "less clothing is better" myth: loose, flowing garments protect from sun while allowing airflow. Savvidou wears wide cotton trousers and a loose shirt, no belt. Duong and Van in Vietnam cover up completely when riding motorbikes, even in 40°C.
Sarkar wears UV-protection sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat, and carries an umbrella. Savvidou prefers a visor because hats make her sweat.
Battery-powered fans are popular in Vietnam, but paper fans and traditional hats double as fans. Vallejo Carmona's hand fan is a Sevillano essential.
Professor Jay says skip the AC: ceiling fans and pedestal fans provide airflow without the carbon guilt. Salvo in Sicily agrees: fans are fine, and shade is free.
In short: drink water, wear loose clothes, eat fruit, take lukewarm showers, and for heaven's sake, don't cook pasta.