A Summer of Sport
I kicked off the month making my way back to SW19 at 2 am. Queuing at Wimbledon has become a yearly tradition at this point, and after doing a general admission weekend at Monza last September, Claire and I were unfazed by an early start. I’ve been going for the past four years, and this was my favourite visit yet. We made it into the grounds by 10:30 and caught João Fonseca’s entire match, as well as Djokovic's last set at Centre Court. On a World Cup front, I was donning face paint at every opportunity and was absolutely heartbroken watching Brazil be eliminated once again. I have a feeling 2030 will be our year.
Suddenly I See
The opening sequence of The Devil Wears Prada was seared into my brain from the first time I watched it, and this inevitably became the soundtrack to my commute to my dream internship this month. I’ve been writing for Wonderland since last summer when I got my first ever byline, so getting to be in the office was a dream. I reminded myself to relish the discomfort that comes with doing something new, telling myself to take in everything, including the growing pains. Whilst the [apparent] glitz and glamour that comes with working at a magazine might draw you in, I was hooked by the all-hands meetings, getting to understand everyone’s roles, contributing to a larger project and feeling like I was back at school surrounded by opportunities to learn. More than anything, I was completely taken with the people, who were incredibly inspiring, patient, and encouraging.
Island Time
As sad as I was to leave my internship, I finished off the month on the highest of notes by spending a week in Pantelleria, the very definition of the middle of nowhere. The island is an attack on the senses in the best possible way; I found myself slowing down to take it all in. The smell of the best seafood pasta I’ve had, which took over the kitchen, or coffee brewing in the mornings when I was always the last one up. The involuntary response to walking past the huge rosemary bush, rubbing a couple of sprigs in between my fingers and bringing them up to my nose. The sound of the relentless wind on the first couple of days, the waves crashing against the rocks waking me up from my nap. A collection of bruises and cuts and scrapes, a telltale sign of surprising clumsiness. A bright orange full moon, and a welcome vision of the future: bright red lipstick-clad Italian grandmas smoking and gossiping by the sea, and Gio’s ninety-year-old grandpa, whose cooking is unparalleled, doesn’t believe in sunscreen and has a glass of red wine with every meal. My version of heaven features never-ending meals with friends and asking for just one more round, shuffling and dealing with unrelenting enthusiasm even though I’m on a losing streak.
Julia’s July Recommendations – To Read, To Watch, To Eat
To Read - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I saw this book everywhere after it won the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, and my mom picked it up as a parting gift on her last day in London when we made our mandatory stop at Daunt Books. We get an intimate look at Sybil’s life story through her correspondence, with everyone from her neighbours to her best friend and favourite authors. If anyone is looking for a pen pal, let me know!
To Watch - Mamma Mia
I’m a sucker for an island summer and obsessed with all the behind-the-scenes photos from when they were shooting this, the wrap party lives rent-free in my mind. My soundtrack of the summer always heavily features ABBA, and after returning from an idyllic week by the sea, I’m due for a rewatch to soften the blow of being back in London.
To Eat - Seafood in every iteration
Seafood has a pretty solid spot in my diet year-round, but during the summer (or whenever I leave the city for a coastal destination) is when my love for it can really shine. Tuna crudo, a whole fish on the grill, swordfish pasta, fritto di mare, I’ll have one of each, please.
Honourable Mentions and Other Things Bringing me Joy
A Spy in the House of Love by Anaïs Nin, a re-read that felt like a completely different book this time around, and Knives and Spoons by Alasdair Gill filled a Kitchen Confidential sized hole in my heart
Blasting SUPERESTRELLA and BAILE INoLVIDABLE in the car and singing at the top of my lungs with Irene, Gio and Alice
Listening to Aswan talk about Justin Bieber
Week-long Cambio tournaments (even when I come dead last)
Mulberry Granita after a long day of roasting in the sun
The Nun’s Podcast - this clip where they talk about ultimate frisbee in particular
My local produce stand, tiny courgettes cooked till jammy, flat peaches, juicy figs, a whole bag of cherries eaten whilst standing over the kitchen sink