Note: This article was first published in July 2022 and some details may be out of date.
– It always ends with a boathouse party and skinny-dipping.
Finally a more or less normal summer without restrictions and face masks! After two years of holidays in Norway, we can at last dig out our passports and enjoy the summer holiday abroad again.
We’re kicking off a new round of our summer column, taking the temperature of this year’s summer with a selection of cool profiles!
This time we’ve had a chat with Linnea James.She is a 26-year-old model and influencer.
– I’m one of the few trying to rock the “Britney 2007” haircut, she tells Melk & Honning.
– But even though I share a lot of the superficial stuff on Instagram, I also try to give an insight into how my everyday life is governed by a serious illness and mental health problems. It’s important to show that life isn’t perfect. Mine is in no way perfect, but I show that it can still be incredibly lovely.
Read also: My summer: Julie Varner: – Not looking at the clock is luxury for me!
What does your summer look like this year?
– I’ve been to Spain, where my mum has an apartment. We needed a “girls’ trip” and it was long overdue. It was also important for me to have a week fully focused on me and my health.
– There have been countless hospital visits and different treatments over the past year. So it was liberating to get away, says Linnea James.
– I needed to recharge my batteries and feel what it’s like not to have to be social.
Then I went to Kragerø, where my dad has a cabin. It’s a place where I find peace and where I always enjoy every single second. Kragerø is idyllic and, in my eyes, the most beautiful summer town in Norway. I have so many friends who have cabins here.
– Right now I’m at my mum’s new cabin. It’s in a place called Lynga, where only new cabins are being built.
– It feels very luxurious to have a bathtub in the middle of the bedroom and enjoy a cup of coffee there every morning. It’s such a lovely start to the day. I feel very lucky to have so many lovely places to go to.
– I’ve had an incredibly lovely summer so far and I can’t wait for the next experience. In a week I’m going somewhere, and I have no idea where; it’s a surprise. I’m so excited. All I know is that we’re going to a beautiful place where we’ll enjoy warm days with lots of good food and wine.
What’s the best thing about summer for you?
– It’s definitely spending time with friends and family. Sitting on the jetty in Kragerø until late at night with my girlfriends, enjoying each other’s company, gives me so much.
– It always ends with a boathouse party and skinny-dipping.
Where are you travelling? And what are you most looking forward to there?
– I’ve been going to Kragerø since I was little, and traditions mean a lot to me. It’s also really nice to go on a girls’ trip, but sadly I’m not well enough for that any more, which I’ve had to learn to accept. I can go for a couple of days, that’s it.
– My illness means my life is quite limited, and I can feel a sense of “jealousy” when I see big groups going on holiday or cabin trips. Of course I wish I could do the same, but that’s not how it is. I get to experience so many other lovely things, and that’s more than good enough.
What can’t you survive without on holiday?
– Skincare products, medicines and vitamins, AirPods and a good book.
Describe the perfect summer evening.
– It’s definitely an evening on our jetty in Kragerø with the whole family together. We always listen to 80s music or house. The candles are lit and we enjoy good food and drink.
What’s your ultimate summer outfit?
– I’ve worn nothing but linen trousers, a lovely cashmere vest top and flip-flops.
– Or you’ll see me lying topless on a beach, the absolute ultimate summer outfit, says Linnea James.
Read also: My summer: comedian Martha Leivestad
What are you reading this summer?
– I really want to read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, since I’m someone who cares a lot about others. I tend to put myself aside to please others. I also spend a bit too much time thinking and brooding over what others think and feel about me, which is incredibly exhausting.
– I could definitely do with learning to actually not give a damn a bit more. Feeling love and care for others is no bad quality, but in the end it will wear you out. At the end of the day, you only have yourself.
What’s your song of the summer this year?
– Siempre me Quedará by Bebe.
What do you prefer to throw on the grill?
– Dad is brilliant at grilling and it’s something we do a lot in summer. We grill meat, fish and vegetables. I don’t think we’ve ever bought fish from the shop; we’ve only grilled fish we’ve caught ourselves, and it’s such a luxury when it’s that fresh and good.
– But my absolute favourite right now is gratinated langoustine with lots of garlic and oil.
Summer in Norway or summer abroad?
– Summer in Norway, but I think it also depends on where you’re used to holidaying. I’ve spent a lot of time in our apartment in Spain, but I’ve really made the most memories in Kragerø. I also have lots of girlfriends with cabins there.
Cocktails, beer or rosé?
– Ever since I was little I always tried to steal Dad’s beer, haha. So I’d say I’m a beer girl. But otherwise my clear favourite is Meinklang Pinot Noir. It’s an incredibly good biodynamic red wine.
Swimming in the sea or the pool?
– The sea, definitely. I’m allergic to chlorine and have struggled a lot with eczema, so salt water is very good for me.
Flip-flops, clogs or sneakers?
– I’ve worn the flip-flops from Sleepers x Envelope ALL SUMMER. I’d packed so many nice shoes and sandals for Spain, but ended up wearing only those every single day.
– It’s like walking on clouds. A tip from me to you 🙂
Bucket list or spontaneous adventures?
– I’m a very spontaneous person, but I wish I was better at planning!
The best summer you’ve ever had was…?
– It was the summer my whole group of girlfriends and I went to an island in Greece. It’s probably not a place I’d go back to, but I was healthy and didn’t feel even a hint of being worn out or ill.
– It’s a feeling I won’t forget, and I took it for granted then, Linnea James concludes.
Read also: My summer: Nathan Kahungu aka Nate