The last buzzer of the school season was heard in the schoolyards in our region this afternoon. The summer holiday of 2023 has officially started in the province. Meanwhile, we hear ominous weather reports from the southern holiday destinations in Europe: extreme heat in Spain, hailstones the size of tennis balls in Italy, violent storms in the Balkans, forest fires in Greece and storms in our own country. Are we still going on holiday with peace of mind?
The summer holidays officially started in North Holland today – NH News
In the schoolyard of De Wilgetoren primary school in Hilversum, there is an exuberant atmosphere when the children run outside. “Finally summer vacation”, one of the mothers sighs with a smile. “The fuse has been short with the children in recent weeks. Overtired, stimuli. It’s good that it’s vacation.”
Ominous weather reports from Europe
The parents we speak to are not deterred by the alarming reports of extreme weather conditions plaguing various holiday areas, but they are aware of it. “It’s worrying,” says a father nevertheless with his daughter next to him. “We are going to France, it is a bit warmer there.” Although according to him it is actually not allowed, a small air conditioner is used in the tent. “It’s going to become a bit of the norm, I’m afraid, because you need a bit of cooling anyway. Also to be able to sleep.”
“Those roads are very hot, I think. Then maybe our tire will burst”
A mother and her son choose a destination outside Europe, but there are also signs of extreme weather conditions there. “We’re going to the west coast of the United States,” says one mother. “In Death Valley it is very hot at the moment and my son finds that a bit exciting.” With a somewhat concerned look, he explains why: “Those roads are very hot, I think. Then maybe our tire will burst.”
No plan B
Changing the holiday plans because of possible bad weather is not something that the parents in the schoolyard immediately think about. “No, we just let it come to us, enjoy it,” said a mother who is traveling to France with her family. “Whether we are here or there, the weather is something everywhere.” Another mother who is going to visit the Ardennes with her offspring agrees with a smile. “It can go wrong anywhere. Sun can shine, rain can fall. We will notice.”