What Katie Does and Did.: My Summer...

My summer has been divine.

I am writing this moments before setting off on my Spanish adventure, the mariposas are kicking in (look it up), and looking back I can't believe how lucky I've been these past few months.

In June, post exams stress, I decided that this was the summer of opportunity and that my new favourite word would be "Yes!"

I began with a much-too-fun-this-shouldn't-be-allowed holiday in France with the wonderful P. Samler and chums.

Turns out human pyramids are quite hard.

Could be the start of a fun new sit-com?

There's something so glorious about doing absolutely bugger all in the South of France. Although the amount of dancing (and stripping) that went on in the evenings certainly made up for our lack of activity during the day.

In late July I bade a fond farewell to my teenage years and celebrated with a group of the best and FAR too much food. Just how I like it.

As always, I had made a deal with the Gods and the sun shone down on us all day. We had cake and champagne, chatted away and laughed at the man, grounded by a cyclist who had managed to drive straight into his goolies. What joy.

My beautiful best friend Sarah returned from her year in France with a cracker of a birthday present for me: a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Those of you who know me will realise just how special this was for me - Harry Potter fan numero uno here. If you haven't been and you are a fan - silly you. Go - it's a fab day out.

I quite enjoyed the butterbeer.

Later in August the jet-setter in me beckoned again and I flew with Sarah and our mums (Girls on Tour) to Rome. I had never visited Italy before and decided to dive in at the tourist deep-end. It is such a beautiful city and makes you feel as though you're on a film set; every corner you turn there is another grand, historical building.

You know when you've had two incredible holidays and you think, what I could really do with is another holiday. So, with this in mind, I popped back over to the South of France to be met with pure luxury. Chez Samler is one hundred times better with parents involved. We were treated to delicious meal after delicious meal and even dancing lessons!

Strictly, here we come.

Before I left, my AMAZING friends threw me a Spanish surprise party one evening -complete with Sangria and paella.

The flags, the alcohol and plenty of "Ole"-ing definitely got me in the mood for a little Spanish sun.

And what better way to prepare for an entire year abroad studying...then by going to Bestival. Maybe not? Oh well. Four days of shining sun, fantastic music and a whole lot of glitter. Bliss.