Tuesday, June 22

Yesterday the summer solistice signalled the fact that everything goes downhill to Christmas from this morning. The days start getting shorter and the weather starts getting colder. For the moment, however, the heatwave continues and I go for a walk down to the beach after breakfast.

When I get to the beach I get a surprise. People have already settled in. Some lie sunbathing, and others curl under umbrellas with picnic baskets for company. While I watch, three more people arrive on bicycles. One elderly woman leaps straight off her bike, throws her clothes away, and dives into the sea in her swimsuit.

A volleyball court has appeared at one end of the beach. Obviously volleyball players get up later than swimmers.

I watch from a discreet distance, take some photographs, and turn round to walk home.