Somewhere in Between Winter and Summer

Spring in Sydney signifies the anticipation of Summer. The days slowly get warmer (then warm) and longer, as our calendars slowly begin to fill with endless BBQ’s, dates with the beach, tans and shorter skirts, festivals, music gigs and increasing weekends spent happily intoxicated.

Spring in London, signifies much more than just a transitional season. It is not a blurred forgettable period that coincidently lies between Winter and Summer. It is a season to look forward to in itself.

Spring means colour!

Spring means life!

Spring means emergence from hibernation!

Spring means 3 layers of clothing instead of 7!

Spring this year means my birthday!

(yay… fingers crossed the tradition of rain will not continue this year)

Winter in London is everything that everyone says it is, and all that you see in the movies. The colour palette of the cityscape dares not to venture too much further from black to a light grey. The trees that methodically line the streets are rendered to nothing much more than a giant twig, stripped naked and defenseless against the harsh winds that run riot through the city. The parks, are haunted by giant twigs, over grounds that somehow retain an unbelievable luscious green, once again, just like how you see it in the movies. Despite the in-favourable description of it all, to Jess’ confusion, I still find the “drab” scenery to posses somewhat of a majestic beauty. Jess says the novelty will wear off, I really hope I may continually call her bluff, as to me, if this is to be true, it will just mean that life is wearing off.

London Fields: Winter: My backyard.

I was sitting on the big red double decker on the way home the other night, when the bus came to a halt perfectly positioned beside a giant twig… but a giant twig in BLOOM!! Brave, delicate little pink buds were sprouting!! Corny phrases like, “a little ray of sunshine” or “the rose amongst the thorns” come to mind, but phrases and clichés don’t become known for no reason. I smiled the entire way home, yes, smiled like a looney, the entire way home. It felt like such a gift to see the first signs of life. Beautiful.

My photography skills really does no justice... but you get the drift.

Throughout the year in Sydney, the city remains somewhat green and vibrant. Most trees are still blessed and dressed with leaves and our gardens are still speckled with colour, so the contrast between seasons is minimal. I don’t think we can really comprehend the essence or the joys of spring, as there is no hibernation. Just like Christmas with Santa Clause in his rugged up suit, reindeers, snow and all the traditional allied images of the festive season. It’s just not Australian.

Since arriving on the northern side, all I hear is, “wait till Summer… wait till Summer… London is AMAZING in summer…” I would politely dismiss others claims as I was not fussed. Winter and all it’s expressed negativity was still a delight, but now, I am enthralled by the thought of summer, as I can foresee, this city will unimaginably become even more animated than what is has already proven to be!!

Daffodils!!

London Fields: where everyone in Summer comes out to play.