Today at 7:15 pm, I was stopped in my tracks.  I was walking home from school and half-listening to NPR on my ipod when all of a sudden I heard a sound that put me into such a sense of wonder and happiness.  Birds.  This was the first time ever in Strasbourg that I have heard the sounds of birds chirping. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, spring is here.

It gave me such a sense of amazement.  I hadn’t ever heard it before here, nor had I noticed its absence.  Today was in the 50s, the second day to do so, and it feels as if Spring was released all of a sudden. There wasn’t this sense of gradual warming, but instead as if France itself finally got fed up with winter all at once.  Every time something like this happens, I feel like Strasbourg is a slightly different city. It’s surprising how my perception of where I live can shift because of something as simple as a bird chirping. 

My host dad predicted that we’d see an explosive spring, and I hold him to it.  I predict that next week there will be buds on all the trees!

In honor of spring, I cleaned out my camera of all photos (and put most online).  All my winter photos are now out!  The photo below is of me and my host parents when we went to St. Odile and hiked in the Vosges.  It felt wierd putting it directly on facebook, but at the same time I felt people should see the great people I’m living with!  And also, notice how I’m not wearing “winter sport” clothing?  I felt incredibly out of place that day! I wanted to explain to everyone we met that I DO know how to dress for outdoor activities.  You see, monsieur, I do own a winter coat and pants, but didn’t have room for them in my suitcase. But normally I’d be dressed like I know what I’m doing (even if I really don’t) . . .

 And to further leap into Spring energetically, I’ve been thinking of travel, travel, travel. I leave tomorrow for Bordeaux (excited!), and I’ve been planning my spring break instead of studying vocab — so much vocab.  Officially I’ll be in Portugal and Spain for the majority of the vacation. I’ll be traveling with Grace (Wedgwood, bien sur!) and Maggie Mahoney around Porto, Lisboa, Faro (or at least somewhere in the south of Portugal), and Alicante to visit Grace’s life.  I still have 4 days left unplanned, and I’m not sure what I’ll attempt to do. Maybe go to another place in Spain, maybe Corse, maybe the south of France, maybe return to Strasbourg. Who knows!

Vi voglio tanto tanto tanto tanto tanto bene!!!

Holiday