So, summer is here (I hope), but it feels more like fall. I mean, I do live in Belgium…and it’s not really known for tropical weather. I do have to say that the warm weather has teased me a little bit…but certainly not enough. I’m okay with it not being hot, but sunny and 25C would be superb! You see, I live in Europe, and most of us are not lucky enough to have air conditioning. This isn’t really an issue since the weather doesn’t really call for it, but it would be nice when I want to blow dry my hair and not look like a frizz ball after I am done.
Summer also means visitors. We are ramping up for a steady flow of friends and family that won’t end until September! I don’t think we have a single week of nothing going on. Between visitors, and scheduled trips to the US, Brugge (the Belgian coast), and Lanzarote (the Canary Islands), there are stages (AKA summer camps) and day trips galore. I guess this is a good thing…it’s better to be busy (most of the time), than to have the days drag on forever…right?
At the same time, I am feeling a bit nervous about the visitors. I feel that I don’t know Belgium well enough yet! I mean of course, we’ll show everyone Manekin Pis, and Grand Place, and have dinner in the Grote Markt…but I need to get on my game, and come up with some cool ideas. I am a planner, and I like to have a bunch of ideas on hand because you never know when the weather is going to change and you need something to do indoors!
One of the things I am looking forward to is discovering new restaurants. The warmer weather always brings out the little café tables and the ability to dine alfresco. I’m really wanting to make an effort to take advantage of the long summer nights and mild climate…I just need my better half to be around to enjoy it with me, but if he’s not…I guess I’ll have to settle for some girls nights out.
I’m guessing our houseguests and my kids will think summer was a success as long as there is good company, good food, lots of laughter, and a little bit of splashing in the pool. I need to make sure I take time to enjoy the summer…enjoy a slower pace, enjoy the lack of schedules, and enjoy the people in my life that have come to visit my family. I need to capture the laughter and squeals, and the sun kissed cheeks because before you know it the rain and cold is going to roll in and stick around for ages. Gone will be flip flops and sundresses, and in will be snow boots and mittens!