By Olivia Pierry

The blooming flowers and chirping birds indicate the bleak and bitter winter is finally over. With this change of seasons, the activities of RCDS students shift as well. 

Zara Khemlani ‘27 talks about her favorite parks that come alive in the spring, highlighting the Rye Nature Center and the Edith Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. She states how she and her family “love to hike and watch the animals that come out during this time of year.” Sahana Bhat ‘29 shares a similar response, explaining that she and her family enjoy outdoor excursions to The Audubon, a nature center in Greenwich. She adds, “My family and I go there a lot during the spring to walk and to take hikes in their peaceful trails.” Olivia Prather ‘29 exclaims that she enjoys walking her dog in the trails of Crawford Park. Prather also mentions how downtown Rye becomes especially pretty in the spring as the flowers bloom. 

When asked about outdoor activities uniquely suited to spring weather, the interviewees have a variety of responses. Khemlani mentions that she enjoys playing pickleball in the spring weather. Bhat, a volleyball enthusiast, notes that grass volleyball is especially wonderful during springtime. She adds how, despite it sounding hard and tiring, it’s a surprisingly enjoyable activity. Prather talks about a popular activity done by many: planting gardens. She mentions how she and her father are currently growing basil in their home. 

In terms of delicious foods in the spring, Khemlani and Prather mention the Down to Earth Rye Farmers Market on Sundays. Both talk about how they like to visit the market to buy fresh produce while supporting local farmers. 

As RCDS has a spring break in mid-March, Khemlani talks about how she loves to visit Europe during this time  as its streets are, for the most part, uncrowded. Bhat brings up another point, mentioning how “places such as France and Japan are wonderful to visit in the Spring as the weather is enjoyable.” She goes on to describe the insufferable heat that many face during their travels in July. Prather, keeping things local, talks about how trips to Connecticut are relaxing in the spring, mentioning Madison Beach as a nice weekend getaway location. 

While traveling is nice, what largely defines springtime is the blooming cherry blossoms, which, despite only lasting for a limited time, are breathtaking. Khemlani mentions that Central Park in NYC is a prime spot to observe these trees. Bhat adds how she enjoys reading a book near the cherry blossom trees outside her house. Wherever the tree may be, it symbolizes the start of a new, happy, and bright season. 

Finally, the interviewees are asked one last question: how do you shake off the winter slump? Their responses are as follows.

Khemlani mentions “walks, warm weather, and going to the beach.” 

Prather says, “early mornings and happy music.” 

Finally, Bhat states she enjoys “reading a book underneath the blossoming trees.”