Spring on the Horizon

After a month and a half of cloudy and freezing temperatures, it seemed like winter would never end. As someone who usually doesn't like the heat of summer, I found myself daydreaming of Rhode Island summers; sunsets on the beach and long walks with friends. Although we still have some more weeks of colder temperatures and the possibility of a second winter, I have greatly been enjoying the small taste of spring Copenhagen has recently gotten.

One day this week I woke up to the pitter patter of raindrops against my bedroom window. After breakfast, I stepped outside and was met with the sweet smell of rain. While there have been weeks of clouds, there is little to no precipitation and it had been so cold that the only precipitation we had gotten was snow. Finally getting rain reminded me that spring was coming and soon I would be able to leave the house without my heaviest winter coat.

On one cloudy day after the rain, I happened to check the weather for the upcoming week and was over the moon excited to see the upcoming forecast. Multiple days of sun and temperatures nearing 50°F (10°C)! As soon as the sunny weather arrived, I dreaded every moment sitting inside and took every opportunity to get outside. I went on my first run in short sleeves and during class breaks have taken the opportunity to walk around the streets near DIS. I have also started to notice flowers popping up and some trees starting to bud. The canals are no longer frozen and there seems to be more people walking through the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen. These are only the first signs of spring and I am beyond excited for what lies ahead in these next few months.

Just in case the cloudy, winter weather returns before spring officially starts, I have compiled a list of some things to do when you don't feel like braving the weather.

1. If you have the space and the resources to bake, spend some time recreating your favorite bakery pastries or making your favorite desserts. One of the benefits of living with my host family is having access to a kitchen and having a host mom and roommate that are both amazing bakers!

2. Find a fitness gym or rock climbing gym to stay active! DIS offered homestay students a gym membership stipend which I have put toward a climbing gym membership!

3. Visit castles. There are many castles and palaces both within Copenhagen and just outside that are accessible by public transport. These are good indoor activities if you enjoy learning about history or just love beautiful architecture!

Until next time,

Vi ses!