Spring?

I now understand why the Macedonian word for 'Spring' basically translates to "pre-Summer". Four days ago, it was sunny and clear and crisp. Three days ago, it was warm and muggy and cloudy. Today, I woke up, and my apartment was just hot.

Not much has bloomed yet, so most of the city looks gray and dead. The sky is gray and oppressive as well, and has swallowed back up those beautiful mountains. And since the city heating system is still running, my apartment is hot. Very hot.

I think this is just a taste of the infamous Skopje summer. To that I say: I spent a summer in Tempe, Arizona. Bring it on.