well seasoned

It's been about a month since I got here. Normally my trip would be almost over. But thankfully, I still have months to enjoy here. It is wonderful to see the change in the seasons, in such a short time it really went from winter to spring. The seasons in Australia are not as pronounced as they are here, I feel. The trees were bare when I arrived, my mothers garden a mess of bare soil and leaves. Now, blossoms have adorned many trees and flowers are everywhere, Mum's garden is so green and colourful. It's really wonderful. Daylight savings has also helped make it feel lighter, I arrive home from Zumba while it's still light now. There is a sense of optimistic cheer all over Holland.

The current weather in Melbourne is quite lovely, though, I spoke to Ash today and he said it's been quite warm. I like Melbourne autumn, the afternoon light is so golden and syrupy, like honey. Gorgeous. But winter...well that's another matter all together. I always find it hard to return to Australia mid winter. Winters there are cold, long, grey and very boring. Dutch winters, though much colder, have plenty of fun involved. It freezes, so there's opportunity for ice skating, which I think is lots of fun. I used to ride my skates to school (it was only 500 meters, and I had to cross a road, but I still wanted to as it was more fun than walking) and Emily and I would go skating after school, down all the ditches towards the main canal, which would also freeze over if it got cold enough. The other thing I love about Dutch winter is that you are guaranteed to wake up one morning, open your curtains and see the world blanketed in snow. It is beautiful. The world feels quieter, snug, tranquil. Dutch winter is cozy. Then, of course, there are the holidays. Sinterklaas, Christmas, New Year's. Gifts, food fireworks. Three things I totally adore. It is a festive time, and despite the cold, it is cheerful and fun. Melbourne winters are just three long months of nothing. Grey cold nothing. Meh. Don't want to think about it. I will cover Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Years the Dutch way (or at least, the way I used to celebrate it) another time. It is late.

I am excited that spring is here. The weather might get to 20 again tomorrow. Bummer I have to pack more boxes, but we'll just open all the doors and windows. I will perhaps tackle the garage, it still has too, too much stuff in it. Where/why on earth did we get so much stuff??