Much as we may wish it, it is not quite spring here in Lucca.

 Europe has not yet “sprung forward” to daylight saving time (not until March 26th).  That means we don’t have the extended evening daylight hours that have already arrived in the United States, so evening still comes relatively early.  But the days are getting longer and sunset is now around 6:30 pm - perfect for evening walks along Lucca’s walls to watch the sky turn colors as the sun sets.  

Mornings and evenings are still quite chilly, requiring jackets and scarves.  This is Italy after all, and we wouldn’t want to risk a colpo d’aria – that hit of cold air that would surely make us ill!  Best to keep that scarf on for now.

 But, despite some windy and chilly mornings, the last few days have brought us tantalizingly close to spring.   Not quite winter, not quite spring, the days are now spring-ish.  Is there is an Italian equivalent to the ending “ish”?  If so, I have not yet found it.  Quasi = almost, cerca = near, both are close but not quite the same as “ish”.    The word primaverile perhaps comes closest but is still not quite descriptive of this spring-ish season.

 The early afternoon warm sun brings people out to sit on Lucca’s wall, turning faces to the sun.

It means it is time to shrug off the jacket and enjoy lunch outside on a piazza. 

 It means the beginning of “spritz season” when an afternoon drink changes from a wintery red wine to a sunny orange-colored aperol spritz.

It means trees and wildflowers starting to bloom in gardens and along the walls of Lucca.

It means fat asparagus and slender agretti showing up in the markets.  Inspiration for lighter dishes!

 It also means that the Magnolia tree planted by my neighbors has just erupted into flower, giving me a wonderful view from the window above my desk.  Grazie mille new neighbors!

I am looking forward to warmer weather, spring flowers, sun on my face, outdoor fun, longer days, April visitors, Easter, and hopefully tulips in bloom when I visit Amsterdam later this month.  

But right now, I am just happy to enjoy a spring-ish day in Lucca.