SPRING IN MY STEP

There's nothing better than seeing all the blossoms bloom in the springtime, especially after my first European winter (which in actual fact wasn't even as cold as it usually is) . Its all quite strange experiencing the spring season in March and April when back in South Africa, it usually comes around  in September. Regardless, there isn't a sunny day that passes where I don't have my camera in hand, ready to photograph all the beautiful flowers blossoming ,being sold or being sat amongst. I also haven't yet had the chance to see the tulips at Keukenhof, so this is my version...

IT'S SUNNY OUT

Today was fridged, so much so that all the leaves on the ground had a thick layer of frost (a close resemblance to snow in my opinion). Despite the crisp, cold temperature, there was hardly a cloud in the sky and yes, the sun was out too. This was all the more of an excuse to bike to Doorn, the town next door to my own, to run a few errands and of course,explore. On the outskirts of Doorn are large green grassy pastures with cows, big wooden barns and tree lined streets. My mother suggested I roll up my sleeves and absorb some vitamin D when the sun shines, but in all honesty, it was way too cold to even take my gloves off. I suppose I will just have to pop some vitamin pills for the next couple of months since there is no way my bare skin will be able to withstand these temperatures. I happily biked back to town with Fiona Apple softly playing in my ear, and feeling somewhat happy and content at the days outcome.

 

*Due to the untimely death of my cell phone, I have had to make the temporary change of using a 2 year old iphone and its camera, hence the disgustingly poor quality of the photos. The landscapes and the fact that the sun is shining in all photos kind of makes up for  it though...

 

UNPLANNED AVDENTURE

For the most part, my weekend consisted of laying in bed, watching children's films and getting up every now to take a bathroom break. On the odd occasion, when Michelle and my nicotine cravings set in, we would wander in the forest and happily smoke cigarettes while sharing stories of friends in South Africa. We reminisced about both friendships and relationships that had come and gone and the people we missed back home. We lazed in bed till 12 each morning and only got our day started by 1.Today we ventured out of Driebergen on our bikes on what we regarded as somewhat of an ' unplanned adventure'. The weather was crisp and cold and we biked along golden tree lined roads whilst autumn leaves fell to the ground. We passed green pastures with cows and goats grazing and admired a few castles along the way. When the cold got the better of us and could no longer feel our frosted fingertips, we biked back home, snuk into our central heated rooms and crept under our fleecy covers.

Its been an odd experience the change of seasons in Holland whilst everyone back in South Africa is basking in the thirty six degree sun and sipping on summer cocktails.