Tomorrow is a holiday. Madeira Day. The city will empty out towards the beaches of Costa da Caparica, Carcavelos and wherever there's a square metre of sand available. The thermometer reads 38°C — and no, it's not an exaggeration from a meteorologist eager to appear on the evening news. It's real, it's happening, and it's sticking around at least until Thursday.
Meanwhile, in your home, a silent scene is unfolding. The ironing board is leaning against the laundry room wall (or the bedroom, or the hallway,...