Good riddance

There is something special about September lately.

I have seen people for whom it is like a new spring, their coming back to life, full of energy, ready to conquer the world.
I have seen others falling in love in September, sometimes with an old friend, sometimes with every person they meet in the morning train.

For most it is a struggle. A struggle not to look behind, at the lost summer, a struggle not to look ahead too quickly - and resisting getting the winter duvet for the bed. A struggle against the first cold of the season. Or a struggle to plan the next move, take the next decision, figure out if it was worth the while.

I think we need a break after September.

Wallonia wandering

And here comes Belgian summer.

Abruptly, intermittently, three days one week, one day another week.
Today 30 degrees feel like 42. Few more days and it is 7 degrees at night.

Be it as it may, summer brings energy, hope and wakefulness. Summer brings love and happiness, plans and expectations. And sometimes a bit of frustration for what the best plan could be to make use of the unexpected gift of sunshine.

Perhaps going to pretty, quiet, shining, tiny lake at Genval. Romantic, if you need. Being able to find good food (or maybe just a good coffee) would make it almost perfect, but one cannot have everything.

Flying is always a great idea for a summer day, a safe bet for a great time.
Even when factoring in the waiting in line, the sudden lack of good thermal lifts, the low ceiling due to air traffic regulation (anyone up for a close encounter with a Ryanair aircraft in its descent to Charleroi?)

Temploux may not be the most user-friendly of the aerodromes but still the best available option.
Papa X-Ray ready to take off.


Speaking of thermals. Lovely experience is also dipping in mineral water at an open air pool in Spa. Quite cute address, on the "Hill of Annette and Lubin". The Tourism Office also organises hikes on Sunday, both with sunshine and heavy rain (your guess which one I found). Add a deviation to historical Stavelot or funny Coo and it is easy to get some additional sense of Walloon cuteness.