It’s been a wonderful wonderful summer, but like all good things, it must come to an end.
And looking back at those glorious months, I noticed that a few things had changed this year.
We travelled south to Italy for a relaxing two weeks in the sun, returning to a destination we had visited before, when our children were smaller. But as part of my ongoing obsession with all things Nordic, we also spent time in Scandinavia, in both Denmark and Sweden. A coolcation, if you will, and the first time our son and his girlfriend had been to that part of the world. These were two very different kinds of summer holiday, with very different things to photograph. And, as a bonus, we got tag on some extra adventures with them when we got home, too.
As we visited these places, we realised how much more independent our children had become. As they have got older, that independence has come with an adventurous spirit too. In Copenhagen, they thankfully enjoyed pastries as much as we do, but also then rented electric bikes and persuaded us all to do the same. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our summer, cycling around the city, stopping for pastries and taking in the views. And in exchange, we took them for a dip in the harbour and for their first restaurant meal with a tasting menu.
There was also a bonus trip to Helsingør and Helsingborg by train, inspired by Jetlag. Another little adventure that we probably wouldn’t have had a few years ago.
We’re not sure how many more holidays we’ll have with our children, so we’re making the most of each and every one of them. There is something particularly lovely about travelling together at this stage, when they are old enough to have their own ideas about where to go and what to do, and independent enough to do it, yet still young enough to want to come along with us, so we can all try new things together.
And, of course, I’m photographing it all. Because these photographs are becoming a record not just of the places we visit, but of the people we are all becoming while we visit them.