The heat through the night is uncomfortable, but still bearable as of yet. The steady hum of the oscillating fan entice me into a deep slumber, where I dream heavily until the heat of the day draws my eyes open once again. It is a day for the beach, and I am scheduled to meet one of my new friends, Irene, at the train station at 9:30.

I dress quickly, though I am careful to cover myself thoroughly with sunscreen before I go. A hurried breakfast and I am out of the house, onto my bike and headed towards Santa Maria Novella station. I arrive fifteen minutes early, and after locking my bike to a stair rail I slowly head to our meeting place in front of the Farmacia. I don’t wait for too long before I see my Spanish friend stride up in a miniskirt, flip-flops and shirt that matches what I can see of her bikini.

We quickly buy our tickets and get on the train headed to Viareggio. I suggested this town not only because it’s one of the closest beach spots you can go without a car, but also because it’s the only one I’ve been to here that I remember how to get to. As the train begins to chug forward and we look forward to a beautiful day on the sand and in the water, the clouds start to roll in. And they keep rolling.

An hour and a half later as we descend from the train to buy our bus tickets, the clouds have not let up and we’re looking at a particularly gloomy day, with a good chance of rain. But we trudge on, whining a little, but still with some hope. Secretly though, I am pleased with the weather. There are few people on the beach and the refreshing wind is just what I want. I am a little disturbed by the raindrops that begin to hit us as we lay out our towels, mostly because I hope my new friend will not want to head back so soon. But I think to myself that I would really enjoy a swim in the rain, and if I were alone, I could stay in it for hours. However, it never comes to that, as the clouds and drops come and go for a couple of hours, but because we have hung in there, the sun finally sees its way through the grey, and it is fiercely asserting its presence.

A couple of dips in the blissfully cool water and a couple of peaceful hours sprawled out on the beach, soaking in the wonderful late-afternoon sun rays, and we are prepared to head back. We say goodbye to the beach, the calm blue sea and our day off and head back to the train station. We arrive back in Florence a little before 8pm, and the sun is still out. Glorious summer days are meant to be spent in the company of friends, and I think this one has been done justice.