Summer Things I’ve Noticed
by Amanda on August 23, 2010
Experiencing summer in the Northern Hemisphere for the first time in my life means lots of little observations falling into my pocket. Yes, I keep them in my pocket as I’m out and about, taking everything in. I like stock piling them for another day, to sit on and ponder. Here are some of my Southern Hemispherian brain’s observations:
Light: There can still light in the sky on the horizon at 10.15pm. Even during daylight savings, we (those of us down under) are pretty much lights out by 8pm.
Feathered Friends: The prettiest, sweetest sounding birds appear during the fairer seasons. Australian birds are loud and squawky and make themselves known. Sitting around the back patio here makes me feel like I should be dressed as Snow White waiting for the little tweeties to land on my fingers.
Fashion trends: As soon as the temperature hits 17 degrees celsius, Vancouverites whip out the shorts and mini skirts. The first day the sun came out, there were literally girls in bikinis on the beach, yet I was freezing in a cardi! My Canadian noticed the same things in Sydney but to the opposite effect- as soon as it hits below 20 in Sydney, out come the scarves and beanies.
Play time: People take full advantage of the sunshine here. As soon as the clouds disappear, it’s like a mass exodus from indoor dwellings. There are people everywhere riding bikes, roller blading, having picnics and laying in the grass. Rejoice, the sun is here, we can live again!
Explorations: I suddenly feel the need to go exploring and be outdoorsy. I want to find that cabin by the lake, to pitch a tent in the back yard, to wander where bears may roam. I never knew that The Great Outdoors actually existed somewhere in the world.
Now that the summer is coming to an end, I will be able to say that I have spent a full set of seasons here in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, I’m one month away from having lived in Vancouver for a year. I cannot believe how quickly it has gone by.
Summer in Vancouver is very different to summer time in Sydney. I’ve realised that a lot of what I adore about summer is to do with the beaches, cricket, Christmas, the end of the year and all the parties and celebrations that go along with that. I didn’t realise that until I lived a summer in another country. Summer in Vancouver is beautiful and certainly nowhere near as harsh as one in my home town but it’s been beautiful and I don’t want it to end.
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it’s the same here in the UK – a tiny bit of sun and everyone is out in their shorts :)
It sounds like you are really enjoying your new home!!
I’ve noticed too that the days are much cooler than the weeks before, I am a little sad to say goodbye to Vancouver summer…
I can remember the horror I’ve experienced seeing girls in their what looked like nighties, smoking outside bars in the middle of the night up North in Manchester in December.
And the late light amazed me when I went to Scotland, I think it was still light at about 10:30 in the most Northern parts. Loved it :)
Visiting Canada is one of my big dreams.
Susannah, I guess that’s what happens when grey days are the norm.
Oh, I am Lisa. :)
Nolita, yes, it can’t end yet. 2 months is way too short for summer!
haha Katarina, I had the same thing happen when I first came to Canada. I was gob smacked by the girls doing exactly that when I was in a huge overcoat and layers upon layers.
I’ve already noticed that it’s actually quite dark now at 5am… darker than even friday! I will miss leaving the house so early but be walking in cool daylight! Back to the dark sleepies for me :(
September will mark the beginning of another 8 months of dreariness and rain.
My husband and I were in Vancouver in June – we walked from Gastown to Yaletown and around the whole waterfront along Stanley Park. It was so lovely to so many smiling faces as they were out enjoying the sunshine. We could definitely live there somewhere around Denman St!
The magpies are starting to get angry here. We got swooped very aggressively the other day by a magpie and five little birds, all at the same time!
oh here’s getting darker everyday so i guess summer has almost comed to an end :( sad
:) yes, i’m one of those that thinks it’s cold at 50 degrees…and i can’t wait for it this year.
beautiful post, I relate to all of it. Congrats on it being nearly a year – time does go by so fast! I really must come and visit you there. Hope you’ll be there next year because a special trip to Van is in the pipeline. xo
Ah the Vancouver summer is so different to the Aussie one but great in it’s own way. I miss being able to walk around in a singlet without the need for reapplying sunscreen every half an hour, swimming while looking at the mountains, long days, seeing Mt Baker as I walk across Cambie Bridge on my way home from work. Enjoy these last moments of the Vancouver summer, you never realise just how good it is until the rain starts again.