Summer in Two Worlds

Summer has always been a season of contrasts, but I’ve never felt it more than when reflecting on life between my hometown in California and my current home here in Spain. Though the landscapes, traditions, and languages are different, there’s an unmistakable rhythm to summer that crosses cultures — one that celebrates community, connection, and the simple joy of staying cool.

Baseball game ion a summer evening n the Bishop city park in California! Picture by D. Khanukayev.

Growing up in a small Californian town, summers were scorching. Temperatures easily soared above 40°C (over 100°F), but we had our escape: the Owens River. With the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains standing tall above the valley, we would grab our inflatable tubes and float lazily down the river. The irony was always striking — we were sweating under the blazing sun, yet the river water came straight from melting snow just kilometers upstream. After a two-hour float, we would emerge shivering, our lips tinged blue, despite the desert heat. I remember how delicious it felt to stretch out on the riverbank, letting the hot sun slowly thaw us out while we laughed and shared snacks.

In the evenings, life in our town would shift gears. We would gather in the local parks for baseball games, families spreading out picnic blankets and children chasing each other across the grass. The oppressive heat would begin to fade as the golden sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky in vibrant hues. It was a time for laughter, play, and community, making the most of those cooler hours before bedtime.

Now, living in Valencia, Spain, I see echoes of that same summer spirit — just expressed differently. Here, the tradition isn’t river floats or baseball games, but evening gatherings in the heart of the plazas and old narrow streets of the «Casco antiguo». I love strolling through town in the evening coolness. People sit in front of their houses in chairs they pulled out onto the sidewalks. They call it «prender la fresca», which is valenciano for «taking in the fresh air». They play cards or chess, chat and laugh; children play tag and soccer. It’s a beautiful ritual: waiting for the fierce afternoon heat to fade before coming together to socialize, to reconnect.

In both cultures, there’s a shared understanding: midday in summer is a time to hide from the sun, to rest and recharge. But as the day cools, life spills outdoors. The evenings belong to people — to stories shared over a cold drink, to games played under pastel skies, to simple moments of joy.

Summer, whether in California or Valencia, is more than a season; it’s a reminder to slow down, to find joy in the little things, and to savor the moments that bring us together.