Summer doesn't always look the way we expect
When we think of July, we often picture long beach days, endless sunshine, and temperatures that make us search for shade.
But if we're being honest, the Dutch summer has been taking its time this year ☀️
The real heat still seems to be hiding somewhere.
Instead of waiting for summer to arrive, my best friend and I decided to go looking for it ourselves.
One of the best things about living in Rotterdam is how easily you can escape for a few days. Within a matter of hours, you can find yourself in a completely different environment. This month, that destination happened to be Paris.
Just two and a half hours on the Eurostar and suddenly you're standing in the middle of one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Not a bad way to spend a few summer days.
Discovering Hidden Green Spaces in Paris
Before this trip, I had never actually visited Paris.
Of course, I knew about the Eiffel Tower, the cafés, and the famous architecture. But the thing that surprised me most was something completely different.
The amount of greenery.
Hidden parks, tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens, and peaceful corners appeared everywhere. One green space seemed even more beautiful than the last.
As always, my Rotterdam routine followed me abroad.
I woke up early each morning and headed outside before the city became busy. There's something special about exploring a city while everyone else is still asleep.
One of my favourite discoveries was the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, a beautiful green walking route built on top of a former railway line.
Stretching almost five kilometres through the city, it offers a completely different perspective of Paris. Flowers, trees, birds, and hidden gardens surround you while the city continues beneath your feet.
It was the perfect reminder that even in the busiest places, nature always finds a way to create moments of calm 🌿
For anyone interested in mindful living, urban gardening, or simply spending more time outdoors, these green spaces offer inspiration everywhere you look.
Why Local Markets Are Perfect for Sustainable Summer Living
A few days later it was Saturday.
And if you know me, you'll know exactly where I ended up.
At the market.
No matter where I travel, I always seem to find my way to a local market. And Paris certainly didn't disappoint.
The flower stalls alone were worth the visit. Huge bouquets, beautiful colours, and arrangements that looked almost too perfect to take home.
And then there was the fish section.
Crabs. Lobsters. Oysters.
Honestly, don't get me started.
I could have wandered around for hours simply admiring all the fresh ingredients and local produce.
Local markets are one of the best places to discover seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and sustainable food choices. Whether you're travelling or exploring your own city, they offer inspiration for healthier and more conscious living.
Markets have a way of showing the heart of a city. They reveal how people shop, cook, eat, and enjoy life.
And that's often where the best travel inspiration begins.
The Best Souvenir? A Cookbook
Whenever people go on holiday, they often bring home magnets, keychains, or other small souvenirs.
Personally, I have a different favourite.
Cookbooks 📖
A cookbook allows you to take a piece of your holiday home with you. Long after the trip is over, you can still enjoy the flavours, smells, and memories that made the destination special.
Even better, challenge yourself to recreate the experience.
Visit a local delicatessen. Explore a Turkish butcher. Try ingredients you've never cooked with before. Experiment with recipes from different cultures.
Food has a unique way of extending a holiday long after you've unpacked your suitcase.
Growing Herbs at Home Inspired by Your Travels
Many holiday recipes rely on fresh herbs.
And that's where growing herbs at home becomes so rewarding.
Whether it's basil for a French-inspired tomato salad, mint for a refreshing summer drink, or parsley for a homemade dish, homegrown herbs allow you to enjoy those flavours again and again.
The beauty of urban gardening is that you don't need a large garden to get started. A sunny windowsill, balcony, or small outdoor space is often more than enough.
A simple Grow Pot can help you create a small herb garden at home, allowing you to grow basil, mint, parsley, thyme, or rosemary throughout the season 🌱
Growing your own herbs not only reduces packaging and food waste, but also gives you fresh ingredients exactly when you need them.
Sometimes sustainability isn't about doing less.
Sometimes it's about getting more enjoyment from the things you already have.
Making the Most of Every Summer Day
The biggest lesson from this trip?
Summer isn't defined by temperature.
Would I have enjoyed exploring Paris in 35 degrees? Probably not.
The slightly cooler weather actually made it easier to walk, discover hidden parks, spend hours at the market, and truly enjoy the city.
Sometimes we spend so much time waiting for perfect conditions that we forget to enjoy what is already in front of us.
Whether that's a spontaneous train journey, a local market, a new recipe, or simply a quiet morning walk through a green space close to home.
The best experiences often happen when we stop waiting and start exploring.
Be a true Botanian this month and embrace every adventure.
