Growing up in a hot place, you don’t realise how much cold weather can affect your mood.

Summer’s here and I’m getting such a kick out of it! I’m like the girl in the Disney movies that is skipping along and singing with the animals!

Living in Dalian, it’s cold far more than its not. We really value our summer here and happily throw the coats, Uggs and scarves winter necessitated away.

In comes the fun and colourful attire of summer, open air markets and options to eat outdoors as you relax and watch summer in full swing. Can’t forget the men with their tummies out can we?! Got to love China right?!

Summer just inspires possibility!

Usually I spend the better part of it indoors glued to my laptop. Alternatively I take long walks to admire the scenery and luxuriate in the sun or I just wonder around the shops enjoying summer fashion.

Before every summer I make a resolution about how adventurous I’ll be, how I’ll make an effort to see more of Dalian but it never happens!

This summer for instance I’m thinking of trying salsa. I’ve had an interest in the Latin culture for a long time.

 Also there are certain must see places I haven’t been to like Discovery Land and Golden Pebble Beach, that I might finally allow my friends to drag me to.

I’m also considering biking (which I’ve done before) and rollerblading (which I haven’t in years). I reckon they are exciting ways to exercise and meet people.

The Chinese can’t resist a foreigner on a bike (especially one so willing to talk), while riding I’ve met some captivating people and had some entertaining conversations.

Once, I took a mid morning ride through a park and struck up a conversation with a cleaner he asked the usual battery of questions; how old I was, where I’m from, what I’m doing in China, how long I’d been here etc.

Before I knew it there was a group of people surrounding us listening in and adding their two cents! To the casual observer it might have looked like a family reunion, for all the delight we had in each other!

No country in the world have I been where mundane conversation is so animated!

What I like about the Chinese is as much as they ask questions; they are also very willing to answer them. Sometimes it just gets a little difficult to extricate yourself politely.

That’s what I remember most about summer, the random interactions with people. In summer my Chinese really gets a workout!

Probably my favourite thing about summer (besides the sun) is the music. It’s energetic and upbeat. I can still remember last year’s summer jams and whenever I hear them I’m taken back to a fun and laid back time.  I’m waiting to see what hits this summer will churn out!

If all that isn’t enough Dalian boasts an impressive array of international festivals. From beer to wine and even jazz, there’s even a boat show.

Not sure which I’ll attend but like anyone I relish having so many options.

Before I jump the gun, I have to remember I am a student after all and all fun is reserved for the holiday. I have so much to get done before then but when I feel discouraged I need only to look outside and remember its summer..!

I’ll leave you with a quote I like- Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions; could have, might have and should have.

So live! Have fun! Experience all that you can! Summer is only about three months long after all! Lol!

Here’s to us having an enchanting summer and wringing out every last drop!