A Midsummer Daydream

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

Ok, so it’s not midsummer yet in the USA, but can’t a woman still dream? Sweden, though, is celebrating its midsummer (midsommar) considered one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. And why not? It’s a country of two seasons; winter and summer.

Midsommar is there welcome to summer, and not the literal meaning of mid. Locals pick flowers and create floral crowns which they wear throughout the days. Folklore has it, if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow, you will dream about your future spouse. Wish I had known that way back when.

Anyway, with the kind of year we’ve had so far, we’re all entitled to dreams.  Big ones. Little ones.  Over the top ones. Romantic ones…. Bring them all on.

In past summers, I’ve traveled the country and the world, but this June, given our semi-lockdown status, like you, I’m stuck at home. Travel these days mean a fourteen-day quarantine, and who needs that? So, instead I’d like to share some of my favorite places. You may want to add them to your bucket list.

Come June, I think of places like Santorini, Greece (easily one of the most romantic places in the world,) Alaska (been there several times,) Copenhagen (could easily move there,) and Russia (beautiful and a whole other world.) These trips were both vacation and work.

Like most writers, I have a day job. My day job just happens to be in the travel industry. Covid, as you know, hit my industry badly. So, this year, Alaska for work or play is definitely out of the question. Past summers it was an old stomping ground. Seeing it by land, air and sea is unbeatable. That I could actually live there, surprises even me.  I’ve been to many Alaskan cities, places like: Juneau, Ketchigan, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Sitka etc.. I’ve even taken a train to Denali. Yet my favorite city remains Skagway; Gateway to the Goldrush. My imagination goes wild there, and the Red Onion Brothel Tour is a favorite of mine. Nothing more appealing than enterprising women who know how to make a buck. Oh, the tales the rooms in that brothel could tell.

If you’ve not been to Santorini, Greece, put that on your dreamer list. I first went there on a cruise ship. A writer friend hosts an annual retreat that showcases that little piece of paradise. It helps that she’s Greek, because seeing the real Santorini and not the island the tourists know is a treat. Sadly, this year’s Write-In was canceled because of the Covid situation that has us all on lockdown. But I am here to tell you that sitting at the top of a majestic cliff, at day's end, aperitif in hand, watching the sun turn the water to spun gold, is pure magic, and an experience you will never forget.

Next up is Copenhagen, charming as can be. It’s Hans Christian Andersen’s country, and easily the city of my heart. Why? It boils down to two words, picturesque and enchanting. Think fairytale.

Nothing like climbing down those rocks to get up close and personal to the Little Mermaid. Here, with the sun setting, closer to 10pm  than 7pm, active people stay out and about, hiking, biking, running, skating and dining. Outdoor fairs, offer ancient books and beautiful artwork. One of my fondest memories is a visit to Amalienborg Palace which is home to Denmark’s royal family. There I flirted with a guard who flirted right back, though he reminded me to keep a respectful social distance.  Perhaps some of my fascination with this lovely city is the attention I get. Most women are tall, slender, and blonde. I am tall, slender, but blonde I am not. Hence the novelty of the dark skin.

Onto St. Petersburg, Russia. This vast enchanting city holds you captive from the first time you lay eyes on it. It’s become quite westernized now. Years ago, you could buy the world for a good pair of Levi’s, not so much anymore. But what a history lesson you will get. A visit to the Summer and Winter Gardens are nothing less than spectacular. Try floating down a canal or two  in an enclosed glass boat, while eyeballing historical buildings you’ve only read about. 

There’s a reason it’s called The Venice of the North, and not because of its abundance of canals, but because of its roman architecture. A visit to The Hermitage leaves you breathless, but a trip on the subway will leave you speechless. I have never in my life seen so many people, not even in New York, and the amazing artwork is awe inspiring.

There you have it, and now you know about some of my favorite June haunts. So whether socially isolating or just distancing, you too can dream a little dream, or maybe not.

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By Heart - A July release

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.

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