We have two national holidays in May. We spent one in Italy for a long weekend (see here: The One in Naples), and the second on a short trip with my sister.
Our Tradition of Covid Trips
We started these trips when we all lived together - my husband, my sister, and I - during Covid. Almost nothing was allowed, and everyone was staying at home all the time, so we took the opportunity to drive into the middle of nowhere and go for walks in nature. The autumn of 2020 was especially nice and warm, so these trips were beautiful.
We haven’t gone on such a trip in a long time, so I’m happy we decided to do it again. My husband found us a lovely route: a ten-kilometre circuit starting from a village in the middle of nowhere, winding through forests and meadows. I really appreciate how well local tourism works here and how all the trails are perfectly marked - you don’t see that as much abroad. My husband promised we would mostly walk on flat ground, following the contours. Usually, that’s true, but this time we climbed and descended 300 vertical meters. Not ideal for my poor fitness and bad knees, but I’m proud to say I survived.
My sister brought delicious snacks for the walk, like cheese balls and pieces of chocolate - an excellent idea we’ll definitely incorporate into future trips. She also shared one of her sandwiches with me, filled with carrot spread and eggs - delicious.
The Power of Sibling Relationships for Self-Reflection and Growth
One of my favorite things about these trips is the time I get to spend with my sister. There’s something about walking side by side, away from the noise and distractions, that makes our conversations deeper and more honest. I don’t know how she does it, but almost every time we’re together, I end up understanding something new - about myself, my friends, my work, or just the world in general.
It’s not always about big revelations. Sometimes it’s just a small insight, a gentle nudge to look at things from a different angle. My sister has this quiet way of asking questions or sharing her own stories that makes me reflect without even realizing it. I think that’s the magic of sibling relationships - especially when you’re both a bit sensitive, a bit introverted, and you’ve grown up learning how to listen to each other.
These moments remind me that growth doesn’t always happen in dramatic ways. Sometimes it’s just a walk in the woods, a shared sandwich, or a laugh about family tamtams that helps you see yourself a little more clearly. I’m grateful for these connections, and for the gentle encouragement my sister gives me to keep growing - even if it’s just one small step at a time.
Sometimes the best self-discovery happens quietly, in the company of someone who truly knows you. Sibling bonds can be a gentle mirror, helping us grow in ways we never expect.
Family Tamtams: The Unique Way We Communicate
Sister told us how she had tried to arrange a family afternoon in the summer. We used to organize family vacations, but they’ve been getting shorter and shorter - from a week, to a weekend in recent years, and now probably just an afternoon this year, if we can even agree on a date. We’ll be away for a big part of the summer, and other family members will be too - of course, never at the same time. This year, my sister tried to organize the date, but hasn’t been successful yet, if I understood correctly. Good luck to her.
What also fascinates me is how the family “tamtams” work. It’s a chain of information that gradually passes through the whole family. For example, my grandma might call to say she heard I’m going to the cottage this weekend (even if I’m not sure myself yet) and ask if I know whether my cousin is going too. Would it really be so much harder to just call the cousin directly? Or when my sister sneezes, and a few minutes later our cousin texts her because grandma called to say my sister is sick (she works in kindergarten, so she gets sick often - children don’t just pass illnesses among themselves, they share them with their teachers too). It’s just amazing. I wonder if anyone else’s family is like that.
Allergies and Springtime
Unfortunately, May also brings allergies. Mine tend to appear later than the usual start of spring, when everything begins to bloom. It seems this trip was a trigger - not surprising, since we spent the whole day in meadows and forests, with dusty paths that didn’t help. I was sniffling and sneezing for two days afterward. I’m feeling better now, but my worst allergies are in June and July. Perfect timing, since we’re attending two weddings in June - at least one of them on a meadow, where I’ll be the maid of honor. I believe medication will save me. And my husband’s pockets, full of tissues.
But aside from allergies, there are many positive things about spring. We saw two foals, one of which looked like it had just been born - so cute! They were curious too, which surprised me; I didn’t expect them to come up to us, but they did. In the next enclosure, there were lots of sheep with lambs.
Managing Spring Allergies: Tips for Sensitive Introverts
May is beautiful, but it also means allergy season is here again. My allergies always seem to arrive fashionably late - just when I think I’ve escaped, I end up sneezing my way through meadows and forests. If you’re sensitive or introverted like me, allergies can add an extra layer of overwhelm to what should be a peaceful time outdoors.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make spring adventures more manageable:
- Plan ahead: Check pollen forecasts before heading out. Sometimes a simple change in timing makes all the difference.
- Pack smart: I never leave home without allergy medication and a pocketful of tissues. Sunglasses and a hat help keep pollen out of my eyes and hair.
- Rinse your face: When you get home, rinsing your face with cool water helps wash away pollen and gives you a bit of relief. And if you come across a well with fresh water during your walk, it’s a great opportunity to rinse your face right there and feel instantly refreshed.
- Watch the clock: Try to avoid being outdoors in the evening, especially around 6-7 pm, when allergy symptoms tend to peak.
- Choose your routes: Forest trails usually have less pollen than open meadows. If you know your triggers, you can pick paths that are a bit kinder to your sinuses.
- Steer clear of fields during mowing: Agricultural areas can be allergy hotspots during mowing or harvesting, as all sorts of allergens get stirred up.
- Time your walks after rain: Rain does wonders for cleaning the air and washing away allergens, so heading out just after a shower is usually the most comfortable time.
- Take breaks: If you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to pause, find some shade, and just breathe for a minute.
- Be gentle with yourself: Allergies can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. It’s fine to say no to plans or take things slower during peak season.
I’m still learning how to balance my love of spring with my body’s not-so-subtle reminders to take care. But every year, I get a little better at listening to what I need-and making sure that allergies don’t keep me from enjoying the things (and people) I love.
Allergies might slow you down, but with a little planning and self-kindness, you can still make the most of spring’s beauty - one tissue at a time.
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