On the train yesterday there were four elderly Swedish people discussing the weather. One of the men was wearing a fairly thick jumper over a shirt. Fairly standard fashion for the elderly Swedish gentlemen.
One of the ladies was saying that the day before she had been into the basement getting up her winter coats. The other mentioned how she was thinking about what type of winter coat to buy this year. All of them agreed that summer was almost over and that there were just, and I quote, “One or two good weekends left of summer this year”
The day that followed turned out to be the hottest so far of the year. Despite wearing sun factor 8 cream, my head resembles a beaten up cricket ball. My arms, thanks to my short-sleeved shirt, look like two large crabsticks.
It sill amazes me how people tend to panic in Sweden about the winter approaching fast. They were deep in conversation about how the nights were getting shorter and that winter was vastly approaching. They certainly could promote Game Of Thrones if HBO need any slogan writers.
Those outside Sweden cannot imagine how harsh the winter was here. From the beginning of November, it snowed and did not stop until almost the end of April. It was a long, dark and cold winter that even the hardest of Swedes that I know found difficult.
I think were in for a long summer. Maybe even until October. I cannot see it being anything but warm this year. So for those who moan about when it’s too cold, too wet or even too warm, please let us all just kick back and enjoy the sunshine when it is here.
I certainly have no plans put away the sunscreen (especially after yesterday!) I will be having many more nights drinking beer in the sun watching some beautiful Swedish sunsets. I may even bring some Pimms back with me from the UK and make some lovely Pimms cocktails.
Don’t panic people! We have all had some fairly bad summers; let’s just enjoy what is overdue and here to stay for a while.
Viva La Sunshine!
