FIKA FOR MY FAVOURITE SEASON

I know not all of us are summer people, and I used to be one of those. But now I’m not not a summer person, January is my favourite. Yes it’s hot and sticky and blah blah I don’t want to hear it because think of those loooong afternoons! There’s no errands to run, just a run to the shops to get ice-blocks, no after school drop offs, just after work togs on and jumps in the pool. No weekends full of cleaning, just week-on-ends of camping! 

Here’s how you fika with a tent and a fire:

EAT

If fire restrictions allow at your campsite/backyard, get into some bush damper. If not, run to the local beach side bakery cafe for a loaf of white bread and a custard tart.

DRINK

Camping and coffee are a match like no other. You’ve got the time, you’ve got the tools for Christmas (an Aeropress Go, grinder, and beans. You can get those here if your family didn’t know the deepest desires of your heart as much as we do), and you’ve got the knack, so fire up your fire or butane burner or bbq top kettle and make yourself a bush cuppa.

PLAY

Singing and playing guitar around the campfire always starts with good intentions like Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire, but inevitably ends up with everyone staring into the licks of the flame, swaying gently from side to side, singing Wonderwall with, eyes glistening with self reflection and the evasiveness of time. BORING! Play the ukulele instead! Time goes on, we get old – get over it and do the hula!

READ

Summertime is the time for novels! And short stories. If you remember June’s reading list, you’ll know I have a special affection for short stories. Here’s a few recommendations to read on your log by the fire, beach towel, hammock, camp chair or picnic rug.

Born Into This by Adam Thompson. A collection of short stories that comments on the racism, politics, the surrounding degenerating land with humour, gravity, and artful prose.

Devotion by Hannah Kent. I love historical fiction, and I really enjoyed her other books The Good People and Burial Rites, so I’m looking forward to this one. Set in 1836 Prussia, about friendship, faith, and freedom. It’s not about alliteration. 

Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko. A witty and satirical story about Jo Breen, freshly divorced trying to have some of the good life in lovely and leafy Mullumbimby. But finds out it’s not always lovely and leafy, what with teenagers, and looming wars between neighbouring families. Also by her is Too Much Lip, semi reviewed by me last year here.

Yep, fika by the fire makes for a happy camper.