Thank god it’s summer

Adeline Mans

Summer, when does it start for you?

“The first time I wear way too much, when you’ve put so much effort into an outfit but you’re melting from the heat. I look forward to that day with just as much desire as dread. I want to kiss it and then dash home to change into something else. And once that’s over, I march as fast as I can to the terrace for wine or white beer, to then plan a weekend on the boat. Summer is really ‘on‘ when I’ve been sitting on my butt on board.’

And what’s going to happen this summer? Vacation?

“At the end of August, I’ll skip a few days to take Saar, the dog I’m dog-sitting, out. Beach walks here, a bit of lunch there, that kind of thing. And the big vacation scenes don’t start until October. I’m a strategist because I soak up as much sun as possible in the Dutch summer months. And when it goes downhill here, I sprint to the sun. The Caribbean is on the agenda. I really need to book soon, because I’m as fickle about going on vacation as the Dutch weather. I might end up at home on the couch with a book and a friend.”

What does your ideal vacation day look like?

“Do you know the moment when it’s still a bit chilly in the morning, but you feel that this is going to be the sunniest day ever? Well, that morning plus a strong cup of coffee and breakfast outside. Now I could fool you with yogurt and fruit, but that’s just nonsense. I’m a sucker for a Croque Madame, the Belgian toast with a fried egg on top. After that, cruising to the beach, bringing five books (you need something to choose from), a bit of swimming and then an absurdly long lunch. In the afternoon, some aftersun with wine, a refresh session in the hotel room, and then eating all evening. But it has to be one of those lazy summer evenings, right? And that I’m on vacation too.’

What is your summer drink?

“With food, a white wine and in case of endless time on the terrace, white Vedett. I love gin and tonic, but at my pace, I’ll be bankrupt after one evening.”

And your favorite meal on a warm day?

 “Anything that comes from a Greek or Italian kitchen, where la familia cooks together. I had the best food in a little eatery with yellow linoleum on the floor and fluorescent lights on the ceiling. The whole family cooked and cursed between courses at the football players on TV.”

What are you reading and listening to this summer?

“The Bueno Vista Social Club is on repeat (instant happiness) and I’m currently buried in ‘Elizabeth is missing’. I finished ‘The Confused Guinea Pig’ in one evening (you have to read it). But I shred books on vacation, so ‘Never Too Busy’, the latest from Saskia Noort and the one from Karin Slaughter plus all the suggestions from the gentleman at the bookstore are going in his backpack. And then I can just take all my shoes with me.”

What is your way too expensive summer must-have?

“I must, want, will, and must have the espadrilles from Chanel someday. Someday.”