tilapia with strawberry and pistachio salsa

Summer is just about over here in Seoul. The weather has started to cool and the kids are back in school. The end of summer is not a sad occasion for me. It was when I was a kid because that meant vacation was over! But now the end of summer means no more severely hot and humid days and that my favorite season is just around the corner! I am not a huge fan of the heat. This is especially true when it is coupled with humidity. And unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to live in areas with mild climates and low humidity (hint hint army!) However summer does have good feelings associated with it that make me happy. When I think of summer I think of a lightness, like linen and lemonade. I think of crisp blue skies and cold ice cream. Summer is full of vibrant colors and fruit that drips from your lips when you bite into it. Summer is sunglasses and green grass. Well then, I guess summer isn’t so bad after all! Seth and I toasted the end of summer with this fresh and exciting tilapia dish topped with a cool strawberry and pistachio salsa. It captured all that summer is: light, fresh, colorful, and juicy!

For me, the summer of 2011 was an exciting one. My favorite part was the 10 days Seth and I spent in Phuket, Thailand. Now that island is the epitome of what summer should be. Down there it is always chill and relaxed. People are friendly and kids play in the streets. The ocean is refreshing and the beer is cold. In Phuket the sun is your guide; the symbol of your day.

This summer was also marked by a lot of rain. So much rain! Seoul experienced record rains this year. I think it rained the whole summer actually. The days it didn’t rain, it felt like a sweat box with the stifling heat and relentless humidity. Did I mention I dislike the humidity? But Seth and I found activities to partake in. My favorite would be going to the movie theater. This has always been a favorite activity of mine. There is just something about the anticipation of the movie once you have your ticket. Then you settle into your seat with a bucket of popcorn and a huge soda and the excitement begins! First the tease you with trailers to upcoming movies. Then the lights dim, the curtain opens up all the way, and the magic begins! It doesn’t take much to make me happy.

Then we had our days where we stayed in and played Wii or watched movies. These days usually also involved wine and lots of eating. But that is what we do best so we stick with it!

Fall is just as exciting. The weather cools and the breeze turns sweet. The leaves change colors and then start to drift through the air. Then the holidays begin! The time speeds up and before you know it, the first snowflake of the season is falling and new years resolutions are being promised. I can’t wait!

For now, toast your summer with a delicious meal inspired by all of those wonderful summer emotions! To summer!