Spring in Switzerland is usually still quite chilly, with high temperatures of only 8 - 15 degress, and snow covers the mountaintops near my hometown till late May. We also get lots of rain in April. Perhaps you know the saying, 'April showers bring May flowers'? That is definitely true in central Switzerland.

So the first thing I notice during early spring, which officially starts on March 20, is an impatience I feel towards our sometimes bad weather and still chilly mornings and evenings. I try to follow Lily Pulitzer's advice, though, and live my life as if it is spring, while ignoring the weather (forecast). I think she means we should enjoy the color and rebirth of the season when she says 'live like it's spring'.

In central Europe we plant, buy and try to surround ourselves with flowers to cheer us up. In the spring, the blossoms are everywhere to be seen, even on cooler days. These splashes of color really lift my spirits and remind me to focus on what is happening instead of being sad about the long winter we are still in.

May is a particularly beautiful month here. The green of the fields and the new leaves on the tress sometimes even hurts your eyes! And it is the season for the first rape seed harvest, which is turned into oil. These yellow fields are so spectacular and full of promise of the sunny days which will follow.

All in all, spring makes me feel hopeful and happy, but I also have to fight my impatience for longer sunny and warm days.

If you're interested in how life in Switzerland, Thailand, Germany or America is different than and similar to your world, book a lesson with me! I've got several lessons to offer about these topics.