The heat is on.

It’s the first heat wave of the year and I returned from a recent Montréal trip to discover the worst: my air conditioning was broken. My pet bunny rabbit, Lady Miss Angora, was suffering from severe heatstroke when I walked throught the door, the poor dear.

We gathered our wits and belongings, trying to seek refuge with neighbours, but discovered that it was an entire building problem. Suddenly we were hot, homeless, and couldn’t cope with the high pressure heat wave. What to do?

Fearing for Lady Miss Angora’s health, I checked her into a four-star pet spa immediately. But what about me? I took shelter in the nearest air conditioned café and weighed my options on where to hide when the temperature rises. Of course I came up with a list that will help you with any climatic conundrums.

Lucinda’s Lists: Top Ten Ways to Hide from the Heat

1. Icebreaker – If the heat is making you hungry, don’t be tempted by ice cream calories; suck on some ice.
2. Pumped-Up Popsicles – Need some more flavour with your cool treats? Make up some pina colada popsicles.
3. Swelter Belter – If you can’t beat it, face it head-on with a gruelling workout. Your gym is air-conditioned anyway, so it’s a cool refuge.
4. Film Trip – All theatres are air-conditioned, so when the mercury rises, use it as an excuse to improve your movie knowledge. Check out a classic at an art-house matinée.
5. Go Green – Frozen green tea treats at your local coffee house are great ways to stay slim and hydrated.
6. Hat Trick – Hats are always the best way to hide from the sun.
7. Shop ‘til You Drop – All the best stores are climate-controlled, so spend a day tracking down deals.
8. Shady Behaviour – Find a piece of shade in your favourite park and read a summer story.
9. Be a Fanatic – Fans are convenient accessories, keep you cool, are good enough for Karl Lagerfeld, and can protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays. It goes without saying that you should have one.
10. Deep Freeze – When all else fails, open your refrigerator and cool down.