Out of Water: Summertime Starlight Cools Thanalan's Heat

Ul'dah in the summer months tends to run very, very hot - so much that as a native of Sui-no-Sato, I tend to prefer my time in cooler climes - but the one thing that has always drawn me out, even in the heat of the summer is the way Eorzeans celebrate their holidays. From Heavensturn to All Saints to Springtide, there is nothing like a celebration to get people out into the streets. Such as it was with the recent “Summer Starlight” event I attended a few days ago.

Venturing out into the surprisingly moderate warmth, there was still plenty of chilly goodness to be had as there was snow everywhere and wonderful holiday food, fun and frozen delights to be had. I must draw attention to the skating rink - while I was not brave enough to put on a pair myself, those that were out on the ice indeed looked like they were having fun! There was also a maze and a jumping puzzle, for those revelers more athletically inclined than I happen to be at the moment.

There were photo opportunities with the Saint of Nymeia, and plenty of bardic performances and dance troupes! I must admit that one superiority the surface world has over the undersea domain of the Ruby Princess, it is most definitely the sheer variety of the musical acts on offer. I'll admit to bobbing my head... and maybe a few dance steps...

There was also a funny yet thrilling mystery, where some naughty people had stolen large amounts of Starlight gifts and there was an inspector with one of the music directors as an assistant that also was quite entertaining, as well - though without as many explosions as the more famous assistant. Thankfully, the presents were found and everything was wrapped up nicely, meaning there would still be gifts for one and all!

If I have any regrets, it's that I didn't get to try the sleigh ride, or to get a snapshot taken with the Saint, or get to overdo it on delicious holiday sweets. But this being Eorzea, a celebration is only one or two days away, it seems.