Summer Loving

Recently, it’s been raining a lot here in England and when it isn’t raining, it’s hot, humid and dusty in London – not nice. After a few days of either option, I inevitably start to think wistfully about holidays by the Mediterranean or somewhere with sun, sea and sand. From there, it’s a short leap into nostalgia for summer’s past and that thought leads me to thinking about holiday romance ...

"Summer lovin’ had me a blast, Summer lovin’, happened so fast ...”

I recently watched the film “Grease” on TV since I had nothing better to do that day (yes, it was raining again) and the lyrics of that song always send me on a trip down memory lane. Not to the fifties – I’m not THAT old (even if my kids sometimes ask things like “did you have telephones when you were young?”) – but to idyllic summers during my teens. Like Danny and Sandy in the film, I was rather prone to falling in love while on holiday. Or at least have a crush on some really cute guy I saw by the pool every day for two weeks and only plucked up the courage to talk to the day I was leaving.

I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about being on holiday that sets the pulses racing and makes you feel ready to fall in love. Perhaps it’s just the heat, or maybe the sensual sand and sea combination? Or the fact that you’re not in your normal environment so you can pretend you’re someone different from the person you are at home? After all, none of your usual friends will ever know.

That song continues “Summer fling, don’t mean a thing, but oh, those summer nights ...” and I guess that’s true too. I don’t think many holiday romances survive the return to normality. There may be a token attempt at staying in touch by text, e-mail or phone calls, but somehow it’s always very difficult. At least that’s how it seemed to me. And although you might seem compatible with someone while in this temporary environment, at home things might be totally different.

But while it’s happening, it’s magical. What could be more romantic than long, sultry nights walking along a beach with the waves swishing gently around your feet and the moon and stars clear above you? Or flirting while playing around in the pool or the sea? (I love how beach volleyball and water polo give great opportunities for “accidentally” bumping into the person you fancy!) Then there are the local discos and bars, staying up much later at night because you’ve had a siesta, and maybe ending up on the beach round a bonfire ... As a teenager, I used to spend time in Spain ever summer and hanging out with the locals improved my Spanish no end. We had a blast, literally, pairing up and driving to the nearest disco on rickety mopeds. And of course, there was always one special guy ...

We’ve all been there, right? But has it ended in a Happy Ever After for any of you? I’d love to hear about everyone else’s holiday romances.

Please come back on Sunday to hear from Liz!