Life in Weiden, Pictures, Travel: Germany
I Love Europe in the Spring Time
Yesterday was the first of a proposed series of plus-20 degree days. Mercury hit 22.6, exceeding all my expectations. I took myself off to my favourite park – establishing a preferred park is an important part of settling in somewhere new, I have found – to sit with the birds, the flowers and Colette. Colette, as it turns out, is a stupendous companion to take on park jaunt, because no one describes what pleasures abound for our senses quite like she does. And few times of the year ensure such a plethora of sensory pleasures abound, as Spring.
Spring in Europe is a truly wonderful thing. Just like the season that precedes it, my understanding of what this precious time of year really means, has been enhanced tenfold since moving here. In Sydney, we enjoy mild weather. Cool Winters, crisp Autumns, gentle Springs and warm-hot Summers. Temperatures stay above zero, there’s no snow to shovel off the driveway, nothing freezes over, even in the midst of Winter, there’s green to be seen; things are still alive. Here, Winter is stark. It is grey and colourless and cold. Things freeze over. Things die, or sleep for a very long time so as not to die. For (far too many) months of the year, trees are spiky and naked, skies are dull and leaden. The earth simply shuts down for a while, takes a little break. And it is depressing, demotivating and very, very cold.
And so, when the time comes for everything to wake up again, when Mother Earth comes to and shakes off her snowy cloak, there is this genuine feeling of regeneration. Of rebirth, of life returning. We get daffodils at home and the sun is markedly warmer. The shift is there, but that huge, warm, giddy sigh of relief is absent. The Winters simply aren’t that awful to be so stupidly pleased that they are over, to feel so completely light. At home, Spring rolls around with a sweet smile, here it bursts into bloom with a big, blossomy, bet-you-missed-me aria.
Yesterday, in the park, the birds were out. There were fat, dopey bumblebees buzzing around. Cars had their windows rolled down and everyone’s, at times suspect, choices for a soundtrack to Spring were pumping forth. Every time the gentlest of breezes blew, a shower of blossoms went drifting.
The earth is awake once more. And she’s smiling.
*** A little note for all the people who came over from Freshly Pressed ***
Thank you so much for your kind words, likes, follows and emails. I am so pleased to have you here, and hope to keep you around.
Bitter en Zoet
27 April, 2012 at 11:47 amWhen I lived in the middle east, I thought it would be great- a full year of blue sky and where the weather report would just tell you the velocity of the breeze. Now that I am in belgium, I have fallen in love (for better or worse) with the seasons. We had our spring debut in March, and now we are back to ‘moody april’ (Aprilse Grillen, we say). But even though the sky is grey, the spring rain is kinder than it’s winter counterpart. Less sharp, a bit more coaxing and hopeful.
Like you, i’m a traveler and am married to a man from a different land (than me). After 15 years together we still find funny differences between us, or things we didn’t know- things that are normal to him but not to me. I found you via FP, and look forward to following. Maybe we’ll hear from you too one day? (our collective blog has an Aussie in America, me, and few other global souls).
admin
27 April, 2012 at 11:57 amI have to say, I am enjoying the novelty of the four seasons … and no one celebrates that warmer Spring breeze more than I do haha, BUT … I do love mild Sydney weather. I love hot summers, I love not-too-cold-and-long winters. Spring here is extraordinary BECAUSE the winters are so horrid, but I think, for me, the winters are too horrid!
April has been very changeable here too, we have only really hit a consistent patch of warmth now . As the Germans say, ‘April, April, macht was er will.’ I hope May is a little more stable.
Checking out your blog now!
Kristin
27 April, 2012 at 11:50 amYes, that sounds like spring in Europe! And it made me realize: Gosh, do I miss it here in the Caribbean!
admin
27 April, 2012 at 11:58 amThe Caribbean? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? TAKE ME THERE NOW!
Sabella
27 April, 2012 at 1:16 pmI’m from the Philippines and those plus-20 degree days could only exist during Christmas season. Sincere envy 🙁
terry1954
27 April, 2012 at 3:22 pmbeautiful photos
dianasschwenk
27 April, 2012 at 3:45 pmSpring has sprung here in Calgary, Alberta as well. It does so much to lift one’s spirit! Lovely photos and writing – thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
Gryph Rhydr
27 April, 2012 at 3:50 pmWhen you are ready to spend some time in the Caribbean drop me a line. I’m currently engaged in a multi-year horseback ride across the USA and the logistics of keeping my casita on Vieques, Puerto Rico inhabited is one of my challenges. (It’s on my blog post: “Your Next Adventure?”) I am glad I found your blog via FP – it’s lovely to have a window into other realities, reminding me there’s a whole world out there!
Happy Trails! Sea
Hope
27 April, 2012 at 7:04 pmI am from the states. A southern town to be exact. Our spring has been so lovely this year. It is just like you said Earth is beginning to wake up from a long nap. It is such a beautiful thing. The winters are not that cold here but everything seems to die which leaves a depressing feel. The only thing I wish I could see more of is snow. I have only known of 5 measurable snows in my lifetime.
admin
28 April, 2012 at 6:20 amI have only known two measurable snows in my lifetime and that is two too many!
thisislemonade
28 April, 2012 at 12:05 amIt’s great to read the wonder in the tone of this post. Perhaps I’m just reading too much into your words and superimposing my own love of the seasons onto them? You’ve given me some inspiration for a new post! This is beautifully written, thanks for sharing!
admin
28 April, 2012 at 6:19 amNo, you are reading just fine, it is wonder! I still marvel over the distinct four seasons on this side of the world, it is such a lovely thing.
The Wanderlust Gene
28 April, 2012 at 2:49 amSeems you’ve got a good dose of spring fever there, takingeuropehome – taking photographs of dandelion flowers:) If you saw one in your lawn at home you’d be heading for the entrenching tool to root it out! Enjoy the balmy days, I’ve my fingers crossed you’ll have lots of them. By the way – which park have you chosen as your fave?
admin
28 April, 2012 at 6:19 amI chose a little park near a big church. Lots of flowers and benches and loud bells! I have a big dose of Spring fever, the springiest dose of them all. I am just over the MOON that Winter is over.
The Wanderlust Gene
28 April, 2012 at 6:24 amI remember what that felt like! Had ten years in Canada, after a winter in London …
Adventures (@in_expatland)
28 April, 2012 at 9:51 amAh, the joys of a blooming, blossoming springtime. The earth seems to come alive with the sunshine, light rain and warmer days. Yesterday was one such day for us across the border in the Netherlands, but alas, today is cold, overcast and rainy. Thanks for sharing
danielle
28 April, 2012 at 9:56 amJust found your blog. Be happy you have moved south-east from the cold north. While you guys are feeling summer’s warmth already, we’re dodging rain and hail and 25km Windboen! I am living in a tiny Dorf of less than 3000 people between Cuxhaven and Stade. Having lived in Surry Hills and Bondi most of my life (Hannover was home for 4 years in the 90’s) this place is the complete opposite of everything I know and value. For some weird reason life seems to think this is where I should be right now. We are all where we are supposed to be – strange as it might seem. Enjoy the new green growth and the blossoms and the coming out of hibernation hysteria in the cafes…..nice to have found you.
Take care
Danielle
Like Q. | Best Quotes
28 April, 2012 at 9:46 pmGreat post.
http://www.likeq.me
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