Having lived in the Northwest the vast majority of my life I am not accustomed to the humidity and scorching heat of the last few weeks – and frankly, I hate it. In an effort to keep from spontaneously combusting as I go about my business on base I have started to compile a list of areas where I can loiter (legally) and temporarily stop sweating for a few minutes.
The commissary is perhaps the coolest place on base. I found myself making frequent trips there for no other reason than to feel the icy cold chill of standing in the refrigerator and freezer sections. I thought they might ask me to leave when they saw me pressing frozen pizzas to my torso but they said as long as I bought them I could do whatever I want – within reason.
I would rank the Military Clothing Sales by Southside Gym as the second coolest place on Ramstein. Pick up your medals and your new PT uniform and you might get some of those long lost goose bumps.
Tied for third place, would be any walk-in cooler at your nearest shoppette.
When the flames have started shooting out of your skull, head inside to peruse the walk-in cooler for a frosty beverage or ice cream. They even have TV dinners in there – or so I’ve been told. In less than 30 seconds you’ll feel like a popsicle.
Here are more hot tips for cool spots:
• The BX food court at lunchtime just happens to be the second hottest place on earth. Ever been to Death Valley? Get your grub to go – even if it’s just outside.
• The building that houses the BX Linen Shop (where the Chicken/Rib man parks) is a little frosty gem too.
• BX Barber Shop – get shorn and cool off.
• Catch a flick at both Ramstein and Vogelweh – both theaters are air-conditioned. Unless they are completely full, then it’s cooler outside.
• To stay cool at work, I spoke to a guy who told me he used to freeze large water bottles, like 10 or so, and then set up fans behind them and blow the cool air on him while he worked on the top floor of the MPF building.
• At home, close rolladens to prevent the hot sun from beating into your house. Open windows in early morning to let in cool air but don’t leave them open after the temperature starts to rise.
• In the car, get some sunshades. I have found the one with the foil on one
side that sits in the front windshield to be especially effective.
• In general, drink plenty of water – about one cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if not thirsty – and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks that dehydrate the body.
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News for the Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl & Baumholder military communities in Germany 
Having lived in the Northwest the vast majority of my life I am not accustomed to the humidity and scorching heat of the last few weeks – and frankly, I hate it. In an effort to keep from spontaneously combusting as I go about my business on base I have started to compile a list of areas where I can loiter (legally) and temporarily stop sweating for a few minutes.
The commissary is perhaps the coolest place on base. I found myself making frequent trips there for no other reason than to feel the icy cold chill of standing in the refrigerator and freezer sections. I thought they might ask me to leave when they saw me pressing frozen pizzas to my torso but they said as long as I bought them I could do whatever I want – within reason.
I would rank the Military Clothing Sales by Southside Gym as the second coolest place on Ramstein. Pick up your medals and your new PT uniform and you might get some of those long lost goose bumps.
Tied for third place, would be any walk-in cooler at your nearest shoppette.
When the flames have started shooting out of your skull, head inside to peruse the walk-in cooler for a frosty beverage or ice cream. They even have TV dinners in there – or so I’ve been told. In less than 30 seconds you’ll feel like a popsicle.
Here are more hot tips for cool spots:
• The BX food court at lunchtime just happens to be the second hottest place on earth. Ever been to Death Valley? Get your grub to go – even if it’s just outside.
• The building that houses the BX Linen Shop (where the Chicken/Rib man parks) is a little frosty gem too.
• BX Barber Shop – get shorn and cool off.
• Catch a flick at both Ramstein and Vogelweh – both theaters are air-conditioned. Unless they are completely full, then it’s cooler outside.
• To stay cool at work, I spoke to a guy who told me he used to freeze large water bottles, like 10 or so, and then set up fans behind them and blow the cool air on him while he worked on the top floor of the MPF building.
• At home, close rolladens to prevent the hot sun from beating into your house. Open windows in early morning to let in cool air but don’t leave them open after the temperature starts to rise.
• In the car, get some sunshades. I have found the one with the foil on one
side that sits in the front windshield to be especially effective.
• In general, drink plenty of water – about one cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if not thirsty – and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks that dehydrate the body.