I'm packing my bags to go away for a few days. Much as I like it where I live, I am tired of the current stagnant weather system and, although it's been worse in other parts of Western Europe, I'm really looking forward to a change.
As I've grumbled before, for weeks it's been the same heat everywhere, in the sun, in the shade, by day, by night, on land, in the water, outdoors or indoors, it's always the same. I've just come back from the swimming pool. I might as well have taken a warm bath! In short, I'm not so much boiled as bored!
It's just as well I've planted a whole bunch of cactuses this year so I don't have to fret about getting the plants watered while I'm gone. This tiny thing, just an inch across, has just pushed out it's third gorgeous pink flower this summer. It's obviously enjoying it's ultra sunny position.
I'll be going by train to London and stopping in Paris both ways. Slow but pleasant journeys. Flying is quicker but it's more stressful, especially in the summer holiday season. The weather forecast suggests a much better temperature range in Paris and London next week than there's been there of late: pleasantly warm and not oppressive. London in such weather is actually delightful and when I lived there I often stayed put in summer. Just me and the tourists, but not so many of those as I know all the quiet locations in side streets away from the crowds ...
In London I've booked a consultation with a wig shop just behind Oxford Street and I hope to get some new hair. I can't find my preferred make and style in Italy so it makes sense to take advantage of this holiday to get tried and trusted advice. And while I'm there I'll see if they can suggest any worthwhile alternatives. I'm taking my "coffee latte" shade Noriko "Carrie" style wig that readers approved a few weeks ago, duly washed, conditioned, prepped and primed.
After that, I hope to spend that afternoon shopping en femme in London's West End, just like old times. Maybe the day after I'll do some sightseeing and visit old haunts. I'll post my adventures in due course.
I will be seeing some friends during my time there, too. Sadly, I had word today that someone I know passed away this week. Another loss to grieve. The Grim Reaper seems to have been working overtime in the field of my acquaintances these last few years.
France should be quiet next week. July 11th was Nice Pride that seems to have been popular and well-attended. Bastille Day (July 14th) was marked this side of the border too as, frankly, so many Italians work in France and so many French come here to enjoy cheaper shopping and dining that the whole border is fluid. There were French flags in Sanremo high street to mark the occasion (but, unlike the French, we didn't get the day off!)
Sadly, we also commemorated Nice's Bastille Day Attack ten years ago when a religious fundamentalist drove a truck through hundreds of holidaymakers in Nice. It's why the high street above is now cordoned off to traffic with big concrete blocks.
As for the World Cup match tonight, all I will say is that I used to live in Twickenham and we don't play footie there! In the tradition of British debating clubs, this blog believes that rugby is a much better game!
Have a nice weekend and I'll be back here when I can.
Sue x
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