From Greenwich Meridian Time to British Summer Time, I sit here and reminisce about the summer that was. That time of the year where the sun rises at 5am and you don’t see darkness until 9.30pm. What’s summer in London really like? There’s no place else I’d rather be. At the flick of a switch, it’s almost as if the city changes into a completely unrecognisable one; a renewed version of itself. The winter version is completely forgotten. People are actually smiling and don’t mind the occasional human interaction. Maybe it’s the nine months of waiting of the anticipation but what’s guaranteed for sure is that every you get of summer, you feel obligated to make the most of it.

Boozy picnics and tanning in the common, an abundance of music festivals that happen every weekend, rooftop bars, food and alcohol festivals, pints at the pub every day after work, Chesterton’s Polo in the Park, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, visitors from home and the odd weekend away to Europe. Boredom doesn’t exist here and you learn to live with the mindset of making the most of every day you’re given no matter how tiring it gets because you’ve waited so long for this. I officially survived a year of cold weather!

What’s also different this time round? You aren’t a tourist anymore. You’re a local now. The one that you’r friends from home will go to for recommendations. Is it really worth paying money to go to the Shard? What’s the best museum or art gallery to go to? What are the hacks to save you a few extra pounds when getting from one place in London to another? What are your must try restaurants? What are other tips you have as a Londoner? You are now the expert, a real life walking Lonely Planet guide.

And in the blink of an eye, it’s over. But what an incredible three months worth of memories I’ve had. Summer in London really is something else and to me it will always be more amazing than any other kind of summer. It’s like I fell in love with this city all over again like it was the London 2012 Olympics. As much as the locals will forever complain about how uncomfortable the heat is, I’ve really learnt how to appreciate every moment I’ve had of sunlight because I didn’t realise how much I missed good weather until I didn’t have it anymore. Winter, I am ready for you but also bring on another endless European summer.

Yours sincerely,
Paola
The Seasoned Traveller