autumn is here

The leaves have turned familiar shades of red, orange and yellow. The first time I have seen this here in Belgium and a sight I never knew I had missed while living in Singapore.

Outside, my neighbours have crawling leaves on the walls of their apartment buildings, these are all changing colours. Some leaves have fallen to the ground creating a monet of sorts.

There's a crisp bite, a light chill, when I open the windows or take a walk outside in my medium-length black coat. All these things make it easier to live here in Europe. It reminds me of home.

I never thought four seasons were so important to me. Now I know it is. There was something missing from the tropical climates of the southeast which could never be replaced. Air conditioning left my lungs unsatisfied, always wanting more. Something that cannot be created artificially.

Damp leaves, wet pavements, half empty branches gently waving in midair. All these emulsify into a special smell that my nose instantly recognises as autumn.

It smells just like this in New Zealand too.