In case you live under a rock, or just don’t live in the same great state as me, today’s weather was ridiculous. Ridiculously hot. Word on the street is that it was 103 today – the hottest we’ve had it here since 1988.
This morning when I heard temps were expected at 100, my heart sank. Who wants to take 160 kindergartners to the zoo in that kind of weather?? And then I thought, “I feel like I have been to the zoo in extreme heat before.” And then I remembered that yes, indeed, I had! Back in 2008 in the incredible Okinawa. When I spent my summer on the beautiful subtropical island of Japan, we took the kids to the local zoo. And it was always hot as hades there. I could do this. I will survive.
Since I can’t show you pics of my trip today to the zoo, even though I have a darn cute one of my little African queen wearing my hot pink sunglasses with her cute little sundress. So I will instead share pictures from the last time I went to the zoo in extreme heat 
It was tricky to be prepared for today because not only did I need to dress for the heat, I also needed to figure out a way to look at least moderately presentable after the zoo for our kindergarten graduation upon our return to school. Basically I didn’t want to turn into one of these prairie dogs at the Okinawa Zoo…
How does one do that after sweating for 4 hours in intense heat? Let me tell you. First off, I planned for the presentable part, before the keeping cool part. I picked a black tank top with wide ruffly sleeves. Then I brought a bright chunky long necklace to put on once I returned to school. All attention should be drawn away from my disheveledness and towards the bright necklace, right?? Genius.
Next I planned the staying cool part. I had waterbottles for each kid and for myself also. I wore teva sandals (partially to keep my feet cooler than tennis shoes, partially to test out their walking capabilities for Europe. It was a success). Then, I thought back to Oki, and what hints I could pick up from the Japanese. I left my umbrella (sun shield) at home, but I did grab a Japanese fan and used it all day long (best idea ever) and also brought a washcloth to dab that sweat off my face – both great lessons from the Japanese. Thank you! Saved me 
Of course I also made sure that anytime I saw a child from my class to inquire about their water drinking thus far, and encouraged shade and visits to the air conditioning. All in all, a successful trip to the zoo. I think since I was prepared for it to totally suck, I was pleasantly surprised by my lack of complete miserableness.
I was even able to enjoy conversations with kids such was:
It is like we are outdoor explorers!
What is Mrs. T’s first last name? (yes, we had a big discussion, me and this kid, about maiden names. She did not like the idea that perhaps someday I would have a different last name…)
When will we see the stinky zebras?
Thank you for bringing us here! You are the best.
Is that a girl seal or a boy seal?
Will the giraffes spit on us?
Look at that ride! Oh My God! Echoed by another student: O.M.G. (I usually stop and tell the kids they can say things like “oh my goodness!” instead. But the moment was lost after the OMG. Seriously – how old are you? 5 going on 15?)
This was followed by graduation. But more on that later… turns out I’m feeling a little sad about the year ending. Didn’t see that coming…
p.s. If you want to read more about my last subtropical zoo trip, or see the video of a gorilla(?) throwing his “poo-poo” at my Japanese students, click here (the video is at the bottom of the post)
Good call with the statement necklace. Really anything counts when you’re trying to distract. We have all been there.
Well, at least you didn’t encounter a wayward wolf!