Photo Guy Ackermans As my time in Wageningen draws to an end, the inevitable question that has been brewing at the back of my mind has begun taking up more space. What do I have to show for these two years? What have I learnt? But as I type this, I just happen to glance out of my window and see a clear blue sky. Wispy white clouds sail by, and the morning sun lights up ripples on the pond outside. A mallard swims across, his eyes gazing dreamily (in my opinion) into the distance and I think: ‘Yes. Yes, you have the right idea.’
Today is a day to enjoy sunshine, not a day for measuring time or wrestling with heavy questions. Meteorologically, autumn began on 1 September. Winter is nipping at our heels. After some substantial days of rain, we’ve been blessed with an unexpected day of sunshine. Although it’s not particularly warm by my standards, it looks like a beautiful day and I’m keen to enjoy it with the aid of many, many warm layers.
I’m usually so focused on losing the warmth of summer that I haven’t appreciated the gentle transition that nature affords us before desolate winter
As I walk around my neighbourhood marvelling at how green things still are, sunlight trickles down through the leaves. A strong wind sways the branches and the dappled shadows they draw on the ground. Soon it will tease foliage off the trees, and our streets will be awash with the warm yellows and oranges of autumn.
I tuck my scarf a bit more snugly against the cold and it occurs to me that I’ve never given autumn its due credit. I’m usually so focused on losing the warmth of summer that I haven’t appreciated the gentle transition that nature affords us before desolate winter. Like dipping your toes into the water before submerging yourself.
In these early weeks of autumn there are still generous splashes of sunshine to enjoy our lunches with. The heather peaks at the end of the blooming season, berries are still abundant on roadside bushes so you can snack as you stroll. I look forward to a cold-weather dinner now that markets are loaded with cheerfully orange pumpkins for hot soups and, perhaps, a risotto even! And now the weather becomes less amiable to enjoy summer sports outdoors, board games, movies and puzzles can take centre stage once more.
As acorns are being squirrelled away by our furry-tailed, woodland neighbours, I pull out my winter woollens, my sun lamp and vitamin D supplements (part of the international student starter kit, ha-ha). Nature arranges these transitional weeks, slowly easing us into those 4 pm sunsets. Maybe this time I’ll take a cue from nature’s schedule.
Ananya Doraswamy is a Master’s student in Communication, Health and Life Sciences from India. She delights in a slow-paced day that has plenty of time for cloud-watching and tree-gazing. She enjoys being in busy, multicultural kitchens that have plenty of food and stories to offer.
