It’s already been a year since I moved to Ulm, so I decided to do the customary walk down memory lane (also because nostalgia usually revives the dormant writer in me). It all began last February when I got my visa, booked the tickets and started packing my luggage full swing for the big move. Prioritizing on what made its way into my suitcases was a task by itself. Everything was finally set for my departure and I had a morning flight from my hometown, Chennai. After the procedures at the airport I sat, book in hand, to wait for my flight that was delayed by two hours. I hoped I would be on time for my connecting flight in Delhi. I made my way into Delhi at the exact time that my next flight was scheduled for its final boarding. I frantically ran into the international connections corridor and was guided to the terminal of my next flight by a friendly staff from the airline.

It was a relief when I finally sat by my window seat in the airplane after all the running across terminals, and I sipped on some cold water to calm my anxious nerves. By then I had missed many a call and message from family and friends. I could sense the formation of a little lump in my throat and my eyes glazing with tears as I read and replied to them. I drank more water. I was in a constant sleep-wake up-eat mode on board. I managed to watch a couple of movies. I woke up suddenly in the middle of my sleep to what looked like night across the country we were flying over. I caught a glimpse of sparkly yellow lights blinking like glowing ants from far below. I was miles away from home.

I shall refrain from talking about what followed as I have already recounted it in much detail in my previous posts. But on reminiscing, the one thing that stands out throughout the past year was witnessing the transition of seasons. The cold weather was waning away when I first arrived. But having never experienced temperatures below a cozy fifteen degree celsius, it definitely felt like winter at its peak back then. Not anticipating the whopping electricity bill that would arrive by post, I kept my heaters on throughout. I wrapped myself from head to toe in winter wear, fearing I might fall sick otherwise. I thankfully fared well in my introduction to winter, except for an initial episode of cold and cough.

Within a couple of months the winter jackets were replaced by their less warm counterparts, much to my relief. Spring ringed in cheery, with carpets of tulips and narcissus everywhere. There was even a surprise snowfall one day, earning everybody’s wrath but mine. The eyes had much to feast upon, the choicest of hues and patterns beaming from every corner and garden. I got a pot of beautiful yellow narcissus for my apartment that unfortunately died prematurely. But my green fingers are doing better ever since, having restored a mint and rose plant back to life post the harsh winters.

After spring it was a blissful three to four months of not having to don extra layers of clothing. Bright and warm summer days rolled out. It was the only weather I had no qualms getting used to and it has definitely been my most memorable time here so far. I saw people thronging the riverside, traditional town fests were held frequently, and one anyway never ran out of things to do when there was such good weather. I initially had some difficulty getting used to the never ending daytime, what with the sun setting only by half past ten in the so called night! I adapted soon enough and gladly tried every flavor of gelato, basking under the sun.

As summer was making its exit, the days grew shorter and the wind, a tinge of chill. The leaves began to turn all colours delightful. Footsteps grew crisp with dried leaves falling all over. I was reminded of a very old Microsoft Windows’ wallpaper which was my first glimpse of autumn. But experiencing it was a different joy altogether. The trees attaining multicoloured leaves and then slowly losing them to brace up for winter resonated with me, in my journey of settling down in Ulm.

Then came winter, which was a bitter sweet experience. As much as I was awaiting my first ever proper snowfall (April’s snowfall was like sugar dusting on pastries, melting away a little too soon for my demands), I was dreading those knee-jerking, teeth-chattering nights. The jackets were out once again and getting ready in the morning took an extra five minutes (or longer) for gearing up in scarves, gloves etc! People dwindled away from the streets, restricting themselves to the warm interiors of their homes. Despite having the heater on in my apartment my mattress sometimes felt like it had been out on a walk. I even contemplated buying an electric blanket. That’s when my body grew used to the weather and also the snow arrived in all its white glory.

I woke up on a Saturday in the middle of December to a beautiful view outside my window. It snowed incessantly that day and all through the night. The next day looked even prettier. I walked out in the snow smiling from ear to ear, looking at awe at my footprints. I loved the way my boots squished into inches deep of snow, making weirdly satisfying crunchy noises. The brightness seemed other worldly. Looking up at the sky as the snowflakes came rushing down felt like magic, for the lack of a better description. And there was the most coveted Christmas market, with its delicious glühwein and fragrant sausages and waffles. The glühwein (mulled wine), a European specialty of wine mixed with spices, served piping hot, was reason enough to visit the Christmas market every alternate day. 

As winter grew colder, the countdown to my vacation in India grew nearer. It was time once again to make shopping lists and pack suitcases. I was glad about escaping the cold for a few weeks to enjoy the perennial warmth of my hometown. Soon as I returned from my trip to India I was welcomed by a weekend of snow in Ulm. I snapped back to my self-proclaimed tundra mode. I haven’t grown tired of the snow yet and the sights of winter are truly picturesque, with everything covered in a sheath of pristine white. But I yearn for some warmth every time my fingers threaten to go numb even while hiding in my coat pockets, snuggled within a pair of gloves. The temperature has only dropped further in the past week, with what I recall as the coldest weather I have experienced in my time here. It is definitely going to be another couple of months before I can sow my summer dreams. For now, I would be grateful even for a week of steady six degrees. But if winter comes can spring be far behind?