English Summer

I’ve started thinking that it may be the small aspects of British life that I’ll miss the most when I leave in September: BBC Radio, the quirky intelligence of The Guardian, the great pubs and beer, the slightly lefty political outlook, the genuine politeness of most people you meet, and (at least in York anyway) the fact that everything is so old. Lately, due the recent "heatwave" (I can hardly say a few days hovering around 80 F constitutes a heatwave), people have taken to spending long evenings in the back garden with a few drinks and maybe a barbeque. The British attack barbequeing with great zeal, as if it were invented yesterday. In America it seems like barbequeing is simply a part of life and everybody has their secret marinade or burger recipe. There is almost a non-chalant confidence when Americans hit the grill. I think the British may have us beat when it comes to drinks though. The typical American barbeque features cases of Bud or Coors light – about the only time it is okay to drink that rubbish. But the British have Pimms, a gingery spirit that one mixes by the pitcherful with lemon soda and strawberries, mint and maybe cucumber. It is quite refreshing and one can easily while away the very long days (it’s still light out at 10 at night) sipping Pimms with friends. Quite a contrast to the typical sweltering Philadelphia summer evening which involves porch-sitting, drinking cheap beer and watching the world pass by your doorstep. It ain’t Pimms, but it’s nice in its own way.