Summer in Europe – Taking a break from work and self care

Hello. I’m currently enjoying my annual holiday and taking this time to read more than write. So instead of something new, I’m sharing an article I wrote six weeks ago; it’s part of a book chapter I’m hoping to publish this year.

“My favourite season is summer (June – September), as I burst with life even though streets in Luxembourg and France are almost empty. Some shops are closed in August, and most inhabitants are on holiday elsewhere.  I adore the thick air with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grasses in parks. Those who have returned from their annual holiday or cannot afford one, are enjoying the outdoors, such as walking and riding bicycles.  

I’m often away in July, sometimes spending precious moments with relatives and friends in Australia and England. Since I do not resume work until September, I have plenty of time to enjoy European life in t-shirts, shorts, and tongs.

Last year, one blazing summer day, my French friend decided to take her dog walking with us along the Moselle River. Coco, a golden retriever with more energy than the sun itself, was beyond excited. While we were admiring the wild berries, Coco immediately ran straight into the water, but instead of swimming, he started chasing after a swan. Annie, thinking this would be harmless fun, continued picking up wild berries with me until we heard a loud splash. She turned to see Coco, completely soaked, doing a full-on sprint toward her. With his tail wagging like a propeller, Coco kicked up water everywhere, sending my blueberries flying into the air.

In France (where I live), in summer, residents flee to the Riviera, tourists queue for lukewarm espresso, and every “boulangerie” (bakery) ​has mysteriously “fermé pour congés” (closed for holiday) until further notice. Likewise, in Luxembourg (where I work), half the country is on holiday, the other half is stuck in traffic (due to infrastructure work) trying to leave or ​go to work in skeleton offices, and somehow ​I still need a jacket in the morning.”

Where we were a fortnight ago, the sun turned tourists into tomatoes and our Airbnb didn’t know why the oven was out-of-order. We had to decide whether to eat a cold pizza or be generous to the bin; aided by the heatwave that spoilt the cheese and my appetite, the latter won.​ We were in a European country that shares a total land border of 2000 kilometres with Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Morocco, and Portugal. Can you guess where we were?

Holidays improve our mental and physical health, relieve stress and monotony, and strengthen relationships.

Vive l’été en Europe! Vamos a la playa!

I’m wishing you a restful, safe, and fun break from work wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Rolade