This is spring like I’ve never seen it.

Each morning we wake up to find another tree has burst into colour or a fresh crop of daisies or irises or roses has arrived. Just three weeks ago, when we arrived, everything was dormant.

Now, every plant rustles with life – lizards and geckos, occasional squirrels, millipedes, enormous ants, huge flat-looking lady-bug creatures.

The light here is sharp, bright and clear – something we’re used to in New Zealand but is unusual in Europe.

It is quite lovely.