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Now that summer appears to have arrived (a bit too early for my taste), most of us who spend time in Monrovia will be hunkering down in front of our air conditioners for a good part of the day. If we are lucky, we can get up very early enjoy some fresh air before 10 a.m., and then reluctantly go back inside for some needed cool air. Not until 7 p.m. does it start to cool off.

I am loathe to go outdoors between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. but these are the prime shopping times, and so sometimes I must to get things done. Monrovia is known for it’s shops and eateries closing early, but during the summer months, this seems rather counter-productive. When I lived in Italy, I came to know what is known in some places as the “Siesta.” During the afternoons, businesses roll down their shutters and everyone takes a few hours off to relax before heading back to work again around 6 p.m. Shops often stayed open until 10 p.m., and restaurants much later.

I hear times are tough for local business here in Monrovia, especially in Old Town, and merchants are putting their heads together to come up with a strategy to get more business. Some have said business is down 60%. That combined with increased rents would make things a bit strained.

And so I put the question to you, dear reader. Would you shop in Old Town if businesses closed during the hottest part of the afternoon and opened again in the evening and kept later hours? I say let’s re-institute the Siesta.