Rediscovering Dutch Autumn: Rain, Rain, and More Rain

Ah, the fall season is back, and it's casting a spell of nostalgia on me. This year, I find myself back in the Netherlands after five years away, and let me tell you, Dutch fall is a different kind of deal compared to the Midwest in the United States.

This morning I came to an interesting realization. For the past week or so, I've been utterly captivated by the fact that it's still so dark outside around 7:30-8:00 a.m. I kept pondering, "Why am I so fixated on this?" Then, I figured it out: for several years, I had to wake up at the crack of dawn for year-round swimming. Naturally, at that hour, it's completely dark outside. And since I was always rising that early, I never really noticed when the first sunlight was peeking through.

Another whimsical twist to my story is that, even though I've been back home since last May, it's been half a decade since I've stayed home for this long. So, while I've reacquainted myself with the Dutch lifestyle, the process of re-acclimating to the Dutch autumn and winter is an interesting journey in itself. It's almost like I need a full year to completely immerse myself in the Dutch way of life once again.

Now, let's talk about my love-hate relationship with the Dutch fall. You see, fall here is synonymous with rain – a whole lot of it. I don't mind the rain, mind you, unless I'm caught biking or walking through it. Just the other Friday, I had to bike for a while which soaked me to the bone. Yes, I was decked out in my trusty rain jacket and pants, but alas, they can only defy the raindrops for so long.

But you know what's utterly charming about all this rain? It makes me want to curl up on the couch, go on a Harry Potter marathon, and sip on hot tea. There's something irresistibly cozy about being bundled up under a soft, warm blanket, defying the elements. The real challenge here is getting anything productive done when all you want is to revel in this comforting cocoon.

This year, I've decided to embrace both the nostalgia and the quirks of the Dutch fall. It's the perfect time to revisit old traditions and perhaps start some new ones. For now, you'll find me basking in the delightful coziness that this season brings, with a good book in hand and a hot cup of something hot by my side. Here's to making the most of the season and all the heartwarming moments it holds!

p.s. I am currently reading the 5th HP book! Any fall recommendations?