Finally,
we are having Summer weather that drags on a bit the way Winter weather does,
rather than just having three hot days in a row followed by a storm followed by
torrential rain. I am tanned, fit from cycling and better mentally than I have
been in ages.
Philippa
and I are heading off soon for a long day of chatting, eating and exploring.
Our assumption is that 75% of the population will be stuck indoors later
watching England’s overpaid footballers try to outdo their Swedish rivals, so
the places we want to visit should be quiet.
I’m
not someone who ‘gets’ football, as you well know, but I have to admit I am
enjoying the effect that our unexpected success in Russia is having on the general
population. I’m not one of those non-fans who nevertheless gets caught up in
the collective euphoria, like many I see, but even as an outsider-looking-in
the positivity spike is undeniable. There’s an air of optimism and pride around
that I only remember seeing previously during the London Olympics. Strangers
are smiling at each other and indulging in conversation rather than barging
past each other to get to the till first. There’s a bounce in every step and a
light in every eye and I have to admit it’s delightful. It’s very hard to
resist the urge to join in, too, but I really don’t want to turn into one of ‘those
people’ who have no interest, but don’t want to miss out, so throw out a few
random phrases they’ve picked up from the radio in the hope of feeling part of
the crowd.
I will
give you a quick prediction though, because predictions are fun.
I
think it will finish goalless and drag onto another penalty shootout.
Which
is fine with me, because it means an even longer time for Philippa and me to
enjoy ourselves undisturbed by the public!
RC 7-7-18
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