I wish I could remember that first day

I wish I could remember that first day,
First hour, first moment of your meeting me,
If bright or dim the season, it might be
Summer or Winter for aught I can say;
So unrecorded did it slip away,
So blind was I to see and to foresee,
So dull to mark the budding of my tree
That would not blossom yet for many a May.
If only I could recollect it, such
A day of days! I let it come and go
As traceless as a thaw of bygone snow;
It seemed to mean so little, meant so much;
If only now I could recall that touch,
First touch of hand in hand – Did one but know!

5 Countries with the Most Sunshine Hours per Day

Embark on a journey to the world’s most sun-soaked destinations, where the sun’s embrace enhances landscapes, cultures, and adventures.

The sun transforms mornings into golden spectacles and evenings into a painting of warm colors. For those of us with wanderlust or who love basking in sunlight, discovering destinations rich in sunshine is like uncovering hidden gems. Whether you’re planning your next journey or simply dreaming of sun-soaked places, allow me to guide you. We’ll venture into five countries where the sun generously bestows more hours of light than elsewhere, inviting us to bask in its glory. Grab your sunscreen; it’s time to chase the sun!

1. Egypt

Envision the Great Pyramids of Giza bathed in the sun’s golden light — a breathtaking scene. Egypt’s expansive deserts and rich history soak up sunny days. Cairo shines under roughly 3,800 hours of sunshine yearly. Here, sunlight doesn’t just brighten; it breathes life into bustling markets and the tranquil Nile River, narrating tales as ancient as civilization itself.

2. Australia

Welcome to the perpetual summer of Australia, particularly along the Western Australia coast and the vast Outback. Here, the sun is a constant, shining on cities like Perth for about 3,200 hours each year. But Australia’s sunshine isn’t just plentiful; it nurtures vibrant life, from Sydney’s dynamic streets to the majestic Great Barrier Reef, showcasing the sun as nature’s finest artist.

3. United States (Specifically Arizona and Nevada)

Among the diverse landscapes of the United States, Arizona and Nevada shine with their amount of sun. Yuma, Arizona, revels in around 4,000 sunshine hours annually, standing as one of the planet’s sunniest locales. The sun here promotes a lifestyle of adventure amidst the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the vivacity of Las Vegas, where sunny days lead to starry nights.

4. South Africa

Blessed with varied ecosystems and breathtaking scenery, South Africa enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the Northern Cape, boasting about 3,500 hours of sunshine each year. Beyond warming the land, the sun illuminates South Africa’s soul — from Cape Town’s vibrant culture to the wild expanses of Kruger National Park, showcasing the sun’s role in highlighting the beauty of diversity.

5. Spain

Spain basks in the sun’s embrace, with places like Andalusia enjoying over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. But it’s the integration of sunlight into daily life that distinguishes Spain; it shapes the culture, from leisurely afternoons in Barcelona’s cafés to spirited flamenco dances in Seville. The sun here transforms meals into communal experiences and siestas into an art form.

In these sun-drenched nations, the sun does more than govern the day; it shapes landscapes, cultures, and memories. These destinations serve as a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little sunshine to light up our adventures. Whether drawn to Egypt’s historical charm, Australia’s vibrant ecosystems, the adventurous American spirit, South Africa’s diverse beauty, or Spain’s cultural richness, the sun invites you to explore. Here’s to embracing the sunlight and finding joy in its embrace on our travels. Safe journeys!

Bring me the sunset in a cup

Bring me the sunset in a cup

Bring me the sunset in a cup,
Reckon the morning’s flagons up
And say how many Dew,
Tell me how far the morning leaps—
Tell me what time the weaver sleeps
Who spun the breadth of blue!

Write me how many notes there be
In the new Robin’s ecstasy
Among astonished boughs—
How many trips the Tortoise makes—
How many cups the Bee partakes,
The Debauchee of Dews!

Also, who laid the Rainbow’s piers,
Also, who leads the docile spheres
By withes of supple blue?
Whose fingers string the stalactite—
Who counts the wampum of the night
To see that none is due?

Who built this little Alban House
And shut the windows down so close
My spirit cannot see?
Who’ll let me out some gala day
With implements to fly away,
Passing Pomposity?