autumn in the Mediterraneans

Yesterday while I was out on our daily morning walk with Mia, I heard the leaves rustle as they tumbled past us in the soft wind, granted there were maybe about 10 leaves total, but leaves are leaves. This may be a normal phenomenon in most other parts of the world at this time of the year, but here in Barcelona, we seldom notice the changes between seasons. There is nothing as invigoratingly edgey as the crisp in the autumn air, the sky takes on a dark, clear blue, and the clouds are puffy, white and abundant. One becomes so awake and alert, at the same time, relaxed. Relaxed from a summer of activities, students return to school, excited to start a new year at school, and seeing their old friends. It's a special time of duality.

This morning, Mia put on her first sweater, and in fact, I was tempted to add a jacket. For now, I've been ecstatic for two days due to the coldness in the air, but having lived here for five years now (is that for real?), I know the hot weather will return once again before winter sets in. I do miss the east coast, especially at this time of the year. I hope Mia will get to know the warm smell of fresh apple cider, and one day be able to roll around in piles of golden maple leaves, perhaps carve a jack-0-latern, or maybe just to sit under a sleepy tree, and watch the leaves dance in the air.

For now, here are some photos from today's not-so-warm, but very exciting walk. Happy autumn to everybody :)