I like your life story, your writing, your reicipes, and have found many wonderful books from your comments. I'm wondering--of course you've read Jenny Erpenbeck. I just finished Kairos and would like to know what you thought of it. perhaps you could comment for your readers on this site. Thanks, Lee Haas Norris in Portland Oregon
A long time ago I lived in both Berlin and Hamburg for several years and I remember so well that wonderful scent from the flowering trees in Spring - we always had our third story windows open on those evenings!!! Thanks for bringing back those memories!
After 3 years I did return to the U S to my beloved California where I treasure all the natural beauty of our coasts, redwoods, mountains and deserts and of course my family and friends.
My first visit to europe during linden season this month and I keep stopping to exclaim “can you smell that, isn’t it glorious?”
I took my husband to Berlin for the first time (it’s like my ninth visit): his knowledge of Berlin is all from WWII/Cold war documentaries and Classic German Baking. At least four times he recognised places from the photos in the cookbook!
Dear Luisa, at a time where I can't see past my mountain of work while my 3-year-old cries "I don't want to go to Kita! I want to stay with you!" every morning, this has been a balm for my soul. Thank you for those immersive minutes. I could almost smell the trees and feel the wind in my hair pedaling, and I was moved to tears. Thank you.
The linden blossoms in Munich this past week have been unbelievable… intoxicating is right. I so wish we had them in Virginia. Heading to Berlin on Friday with my family, I’m digging through your Berlin posts, so many gems.
I’m travelling in Tuscany and Marche and had the same thought: the linden blossoms are so powerful this year - although Spring has been dry and hot in this part of Italy. Back home in Antwerp, round my corner is a linden-lined street that is so, so dear to me. We don’t have many of them, and I keep fearing that some future city council will cut them down because people in Belgium tend to care enormously about having a car that looks new. Should we start a European Linden Appreciation Society? (I mean, seriously, it could be fun and profound too!)
It is the single most defining characteristic of spring in Berlin. And I agree this year seems particularly aromatic and long lasting. I cannot get enough. I am going to look for a linden flower scented candle to take back to Boston with me.
Beautiful, thank you.
Hi Luisa,
I like your life story, your writing, your reicipes, and have found many wonderful books from your comments. I'm wondering--of course you've read Jenny Erpenbeck. I just finished Kairos and would like to know what you thought of it. perhaps you could comment for your readers on this site. Thanks, Lee Haas Norris in Portland Oregon
I haven't read it yet! Will do so soon, I hope.
Thank you for your kind words, Lee! I appreciate your support and I’m glad you enjoy my content.
Really love this. Thank you
Such lovely, evocative writing! ♥️
A long time ago I lived in both Berlin and Hamburg for several years and I remember so well that wonderful scent from the flowering trees in Spring - we always had our third story windows open on those evenings!!! Thanks for bringing back those memories!
After 3 years I did return to the U S to my beloved California where I treasure all the natural beauty of our coasts, redwoods, mountains and deserts and of course my family and friends.
It's just so incredible. Last night, I was closing the curtains in my bedroom at the open window and there was this wall of scent! :)
My first visit to europe during linden season this month and I keep stopping to exclaim “can you smell that, isn’t it glorious?”
I took my husband to Berlin for the first time (it’s like my ninth visit): his knowledge of Berlin is all from WWII/Cold war documentaries and Classic German Baking. At least four times he recognised places from the photos in the cookbook!
Oh, wow! That is so lovely.
Dear Luisa, at a time where I can't see past my mountain of work while my 3-year-old cries "I don't want to go to Kita! I want to stay with you!" every morning, this has been a balm for my soul. Thank you for those immersive minutes. I could almost smell the trees and feel the wind in my hair pedaling, and I was moved to tears. Thank you.
Ohhh, this comment. Thank you. The phase you're in is so hard. So lovely, at times, but so hard. Hang in there. You have my solidarity!
A little mini trip to Berlin. Thank you. Also, the Navalny documentary had me weeping.
I can't bring myself to watch yet. :(
The linden blossoms in Munich this past week have been unbelievable… intoxicating is right. I so wish we had them in Virginia. Heading to Berlin on Friday with my family, I’m digging through your Berlin posts, so many gems.
So glad you know what I mean! Have a lovely time in Berlin.
Lovely article thank you 🙏
I’m travelling in Tuscany and Marche and had the same thought: the linden blossoms are so powerful this year - although Spring has been dry and hot in this part of Italy. Back home in Antwerp, round my corner is a linden-lined street that is so, so dear to me. We don’t have many of them, and I keep fearing that some future city council will cut them down because people in Belgium tend to care enormously about having a car that looks new. Should we start a European Linden Appreciation Society? (I mean, seriously, it could be fun and profound too!)
Ooh, where are you in Marche? Germans revere the linden tree! Most Berlin streets are lined with them. If you love them, check out this amazing blog post, so many interesting tidbits about the Germans and their beloved linden: https://germangirlinamerica.com/the-linden-tree-in-germany-at-the-heart-of-germany/
You've captured the aliveness of spring so beautifully here. Thank you, Luisa. I love your words.
Thank you!
Wish I could experience that smell! Lovely imagining what your bike rides feel like, too. All the good stuff!
Such a wonderful photo and evocative words! I almost felt like I was in Berlin—one of my favorite cities—in springtime.
Truly nothing like it... it almost makes up for the winter! :)
It is the single most defining characteristic of spring in Berlin. And I agree this year seems particularly aromatic and long lasting. I cannot get enough. I am going to look for a linden flower scented candle to take back to Boston with me.
What a beautiful essay. You really brought me there.
Thank you!