I have been meaning to write since I read this, love this writing! Since then it's stayed with me on my sea swims, as has the gorgeously surreal moment where you're swimming in a canal in Amsterdam and listening to the elephants in the zoo!
as I don't swim every day I take the liberty of choosing the least windy days for a swim - so that wind doesn't whisk away my body heat. Although unusually had two in a row recently, to get the reward of a sparkling sunny day after just having had a grey one. The water was delicious. Hope you find similar x
Also meant to say - the feeling after getting out, also known as "the afterdrop", the fact that the body actually cools down 20 minutes after the swim - that's when my thermos containing hot drink is so important - directly as I've got dressed and got a warm hat on - in my case sheepskin hat which I got in Istanbul with my dad when I was 19.
They are definitely cleaner than the shit-filled rivers of England. I see other swimmers there too (Dutch) and there is a ladder to get in so I’m taking that as reassurance…
I have been meaning to write since I read this, love this writing! Since then it's stayed with me on my sea swims, as has the gorgeously surreal moment where you're swimming in a canal in Amsterdam and listening to the elephants in the zoo!
as I don't swim every day I take the liberty of choosing the least windy days for a swim - so that wind doesn't whisk away my body heat. Although unusually had two in a row recently, to get the reward of a sparkling sunny day after just having had a grey one. The water was delicious. Hope you find similar x
also pretty ace timing to have been in the Netherlands Before their current lockdown and not stuck during...
I am still here! Very much during...
ah, whoops
Also meant to say - the feeling after getting out, also known as "the afterdrop", the fact that the body actually cools down 20 minutes after the swim - that's when my thermos containing hot drink is so important - directly as I've got dressed and got a warm hat on - in my case sheepskin hat which I got in Istanbul with my dad when I was 19.
Must equip myself with a thermos and a Turkish hat!
Ah good to know about wet suit, much better than just bra and knickers!
Swimming in bra and knickers?! Amsterdam must love you!
Ha! I swim in a shortie wetsuit. The bra and knickers are, alas, a necessary transition point between that and fully clothed...
can't help myself - have to ask - how clean are the canals in Amsterdam? Feeling concerned for your health!
They are definitely cleaner than the shit-filled rivers of England. I see other swimmers there too (Dutch) and there is a ladder to get in so I’m taking that as reassurance…