We had a lovely week of false spring, topping out at 72 degrees or so. Now, of course, it’s 18 degrees, but at least it’s sunny today. But while it was warm, I took long walks and went out and about in that extra hour of sunshine. Lots of other people were out as well, and we all seemed very happy, tipping our faces toward the sun and letting out a long breath.
Spring in Minnesota is like that.
I also went down several research rabbit holes this week and decided to pick up with language learning again. Low-key, self-paced language learning, which I’m finding I enjoy a lot more than the classroom setting (whether in real life or online).
I decided on Italian (for reasons), and I’m using Duolingo, supplemented by a grammar book and the podcast Coffee Break Italian. It helps that I’ve already studied German, Russian, and a little French. So my brain understands things like: oh, irregular verb, or oh, that’s the plural, without much conscious thought.
Yes, this makes learning a new language easier. It’s also nice to use this part of my brain again. It’s like it’s also waking up along with spring.
Writing Wrongs 
Learning Italian sounds like so much fun, especially with the accompaniment of a coffee-themed podcast! Downright irresistible. I know you have lots of coffee-related reasons to be thinking about Italy, but is it unreasonable to hope that there might be other reasons for needing to know how to order a gelato or ask the way to St. Mark’s Square?
Given the waywardness of a Minnesota spring, I’m glad you were able to take in the sun & warmth when it arrived …. and I loved your description of the phototropic crowds, all turning their faces to the sky. Here’s hoping for more of the same for you in the coming week!