The above photograph of daffodils bears a striking resemblence to Amsterdammers these days.

The weather has taken a turn for the warmer, and people are flocking to the many sidewalk cafe terraces in the city.  They are eager to sit with their faces towards the sun, soaking up as much of its light as possible -- following another long, dark winter -- even if it's only cool enough that they must be bundled up with winter coats and hoods!

Today, however, was warm enough to sit outside comfortably, without the bothersome winter coat.  So I spent my first afternoon on the sidewalk cafe terraces (though other, die-hard terrace lovers have been out for a couple of weeks already!), and at one point I even needed to pull out my sunglasses.

It was glorious.

Spring has to be my favorite season of the year in the Netherlands.  Especially living in the city.  There's a powerful energy that comes over the city, as all the people are shaking off their winter slumber, and everyone is out on the sidewalks or sitting in front of their houses, reveling in the sun.  It feels like some kind of impromptu festival or fair.  It's hard to describe but wonderful to experience.