Spring has Sprung
Spring has sprung here in Cleveland, Ohio. The leaves have magically popped out on the trees, and the cherry, apple, tulip and dogwood trees – not to mention the lilac and all those beautiful spring flowers – are in full bloom. Nothing is crazier than Cleveland weather in the spring. After 7 months of cold and snow, we look forward to hearing the birds chirp and those rain showers that bring May flowers. This May has been quite a ride so far. We have seesawed between 30°Fahrenheit (-1°C) and snow and 85°F (29) and sunny in the last week or so.
Luckily the freezing temperatures haven’t caused too much havoc on the blossoms. However, the convergence of cold and warm fronts can often lead to severe thunderstorms and tornados. Two years ago I missed being caught in the path of a tornado by 5 minutes. I was driving from my parents’ home in a terrible storm and saw police cars with flashing lights ahead blocking the road. Turns out a tornado had gone through minutes before, downing trees and power lines and severely damaging several homes about a mile from my home. But life goes on. Two of the damaged homes have been torn down – and one house has doubled in size with a beautiful new façade and addition. Apart from the monthly test every first Saturday of the month at noon, I have yet to hear a tornado siren – and I hope it stays that way. One thing I never missed about America when I lived in Germany were the tornados.
The warm weather does make me miss the beer gardens and biking along the Rhine river. America doesn’t have many al fresco dining opportunities. I don’t know if it is because we have so many bugs – or because Americans crave air conditioning when it gets above 80°F. My apartment doesn’t have central air, and my landlady keeps apologizing that it is so warm. I keep reminding her I’m not used to living in air conditioning and prefer the fresh air. I remember living in front of the fans in Germany during the summer. I lived about a 4-minute walk from Schaumburger Hof and spent many a night sitting in the beer garden, watching the boats go by. Nothing is finer than biking leisurely along the Rhine river on a Sunday afternoon. I also have many fond memories of biking back from the downtown pubs through the Rheinau or on the Schäl Sick when I lived in Beuel. One night I almost rode my bike straight into the Rhine when I got caught in some silt from the Hochwasser. I sobered up real quick and never biked drunk again. Biking under the influence isn’t as dangerous as driving under the influence – but I wouldn’t recommend it. If caught, you could get your license taken away.
I am currently pricing flights to Germany. After three years away, I am going to spend three weeks starting the end of August in Europe. I have been invited to a wedding in early September, so I decided to go a few days early and spend my birthday celebrating with my German and expat friends. I can hardly wait to hit my favorite restaurants like Zur alten Post and Casa Rustica or try out some new ones like the Unsicht-Bar (www.unsicht-bar.com – the pitch-black restaurant with blind waiters) in Cologne. I’ve been waiting to try that one for over three years now. I wonder if the restaurants and pubs I loved so much are even still there. Nothing is as fleeting as the restaurant trade – no matter where you live.
Anyway, it feels like I’m coming home – even if it is only for three weeks.
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