The summer season is my favorite time of the year. It brings with it not only warm weather and longer days but also a sense of freedom and adventure. Every year, my family and I spend two months in our countryside house, which is located about two hours away from the city. This tradition has become a part of our family life, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while enjoying the simplicity of rural existence.
The first week of our stay always focuses on exploring the natural surroundings. We start by hiking through the nearby forest trails, where we can see various types of trees and wildflowers. My favorite part is observing the small creatures that live in the woods, such as rabbits, squirrels, and butterflies. Sometimes, we even find mushrooms growing under the trees, which my grandmother teaches us how to identify and safely collect. After the hike, we spend the afternoon by the river, fishing with nets and lines. It’s surprising how many small fish we can catch, and my brother always gets excited when he sees his catch. In the evening, we gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows and share stories about our day. The crackling fire and the smell of toasted marshmallows create a warm and magical atmosphere.
The second week is dedicated to learning new skills and engaging in family activities. On weekends, we visit a local farm where we can milk cows and feed animals. My father often takes me to the chicken coop to collect eggs, and I’ve learned that hens lay one egg per day. We also plant vegetables in the family garden, which includes tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. My sister and I take turns watering the plants every morning, and we measure their growth with a ruler. By the end of the week, some of the seedlings have already grown several centimeters taller. In the evenings, we gather in the living room to play board games or solve jigsaw puzzles. These simple activities strengthen our family bonds and help us relax after a day of outdoor work.
The third week focuses on cultural experiences and local traditions. We attend a farmers' market every Saturday, where we buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade bread. The vendors are always friendly, and they often share stories about their crops. One morning, we visited a local bakery and watched how bread is made from scratch. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the entire room, and I tried to help the baker knead the dough. Afterward, we participated in a traditional country dance organized by the community center. Everyone wears colorful dresses or shirts, and the music is played on a fiddle and a harmonica. It was an unforgettable experience to dance with people from different generations and learn about their cultural heritage.
The final week involves reflecting on our experiences and preparing to return to the city. We spend more time cleaning the house and organizing our belongings. My sister and I painted the fence around the garden, and my father fixed the broken ladder in the barn. On the last day, we had a big family meal by the campfire, eating the vegetables we grew and the fish we caught. Before leaving, we took photos of the house and the surrounding nature to remember our time there. It’s always hard to say goodbye, but knowing we’ll be back next year helps make the separation easier.
Returning to the city, I realize how much I’ve grown during these two months. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, developed new skills, and strengthened my family relationships. The summer in the countryside has taught me the value of hard work, patience, and living simply. These lessons will stay with me throughout the year and influence the way I approach life. I can’t wait for next summer to come, when I can again experience the joy and freedom of living in the countryside.