This year, the cherry blossom season arrived earlier in Amsterdam. We even had a few very warm days, with temperatures going up to 20 degrees Celsius! Almost summer, by Dutch standards. April 30 was the warmest day of the year so far, and, of course, everyone in the city was out, warming up in the sun. I went to Westerpark in the evening — it was packed with people chilling, having a picnic or a drink at the outdoor cafés. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as well as the magnolia.

I love those days, when the city is so lively and you can feel the joy all over the place. A few rays of sun can make a huge difference.