Magnificent Autumn

Fall is a catalyst, exposing what the epitome of German culture is to me. As the leaves turn shades of golden yellows, deep oranges, and bright reds, certain aspects of the German people become apparent unlike any other time of year. The wind picks up and dozens of families can be seen kite-flying along the Elbe river. A chill returns to the air causing tall boots and cashmere scarves to burst onto the scene. All styles of jackets that were so unnecessary in the warm summer appear, all uniquely European. The fallen leaves send the clean up crews into a frenzy, raking and leaf blowing everything back into cleanly order. Gutters get swept, sidewalks kept tidy, and leaf-covered paths re-emerge not long after becoming hidden. The heat in apartment buildings is reluctantly switched on by their landlords, but even still, layers and sweaters and thick socks and slippers remain necessities to coziness. It is a time to truly enjoy a warm cup of tea together with friends, whether in a home or café. The sunsets blanket the multicolored hillsides and causing them to glow with brilliance. Perhaps it is more the familiarity that so endears this season to me, but now that the trees are bare and forests a dull grey I excitedly anticipate the next time the green leaves will again break through to autumn.