Settling, breathing a little easy

An old friend writes after moving almost randomly to Oslo (after years of being unhappy and unsettled somewhere else, then coming to india and hating what it had become, thoroughly):

"Until about two days ago, there were no leaves on the trees. It rained slightly for two nights and lo behold, today the trees have lush green leaves! It is amazing to see this sudden change in nature. Everyone here is commenting about how suddenly Oslo changes, turns green and stays green until the fall. For about a week or so I have seen lots of tulips, daffodils and roses blooming, but this sudden return of leaves on the trees is an absolutely beautiful sight.

"This wonderful and almost perfect mix of natural beauty, peace and urban sophistication here has done something wonderful to my psyche. Now all I wish is that there was a pill I could swallow and become proficient in Norwegian."

I dont know why, but his description touched me so - felt for a moment like I too had been transported there to experience what he did. As for the part about beauty, peace and urban sophistication - I am plain envious! Anyone reading this, feel happy for this unknown soldier!