Right from the start, I have to reveal there is no answer to this question. At least no answer that fits everybody. There are people who feel comfortable, even ecstatic, next to the loudspeakers in a rock concert or sitting on a front row at a formula race. Not my kind of experiences, though I can relate to the thrill.
As a music lover, I have both played and listened to many kinds of music all my life. But a strange thing has happened – maybe it has to do with the mature age. I enjoy my music tuned very quiet, almost to a whisper. As long as I recognize the melody, it’s enough. My brain fills the gaps and I hear it as complete in my head. This applies especially to the moments before going to sleep. I need to slow down and diminish too energetic impulses. But at the opera house, it’s the opposite! There I cannot get enough of the power of the performance.
Many of us consider summer to be the best time for relaxation. But the definitions of an ideal vacation vary on a large scale. There are activists who travel around, take part in triathlon competitions, painting courses or tango festivals. I have a confession to make. I do hardly anything special for the whole summer.
My top moments are the morning coffees, family dinners, reading in a hammock and observing nature. I never have a dull moment, though the days run by almost identical to each other. Well, sometimes there is wind, sometimes rain and the bird’s concerts are more modest by the end of the summer. I don’t need crowds, excitement, surprises or cheering. I need the time to ponder life around. Thinking blue thoughts requires a lot of peace and quiet. Those crystallizations help me later when it’s time to get back to normal life.
In the photo attached, I’m sitting on my little rowing boat, by a peaceful bay. But that’s not the entire truth. Outside the picture, there is one of those people who like speed and tolerate noise better than I do. That eternal child has to have his moments with vehicles I honestly don’t like. Then my role is to sit on my little boat, guarding that nothing bad happens.
I hope, you all had a possibility to enjoy your summer just the way you wanted to. And let’s not give up, it’s not over yet. Maybe even I will still find myself in a crowd with ear muffs on. – No, that was a joke!