Every year when autumn rolls in, everything seems to fall into place. The city feels familiar and like home, even if it wasn’t that up until three years ago. My first memories of Spa are walking through the park and eating cinnamon waffles while enjoying that cold autumn air. And I suppose the most awkward and shy falling in love that actually prevented me from finishing that waffle, doesn’t take away from that cozy feeling of autumn in Spa. But that’s a whole other story!
I wanted to share photos of my favorite parts of the city during autumn, be it houses or parks. The latter ones are where I mostly go to gather acorns and chestnuts because I love bringing autumn into the house. Making it as cozy as possible for those long nights that, to be honest, I am eagerly awaiting right now. After a rainy August, we’ve been having ourselves a sunny and rather warm September. And living in Belgium, I know better than to complain about the weather but I miss the chilly days. When you can smell autumn in the air and feel the cold pinching your cheeks.
Until those days arrive, I decided to spend my afternoons walking through the sunny streets. I could see that autumn is slowly coming our way but I could also see summer lingering on. I even had some raspberries in between taking photos! And the sunset light was the perfect backdrop for the lovely houses I found. Or should I say, villas? After walking through the center of Spa, I headed out to the suburbs where I remembered driving by some impressive houses. And I remembered correctly!
One particular house stuck with me because it felt like autumn already came and left, with the trees’ leaves almost bare and a carpet of orange leaves on the floor. And that rusty old metal fence gave it a strong Halloween vibe. And I’m not even into Halloween! The whole place just felt like it was in a world of its own and I liked that.
All of these houses looked like they were enshrouded in trees, which made for excellent framing. While most trees haven’t turned yellow yet, there were a few that did. Naturally, I ended up bringing home some acorns, chestnuts, and oak branches to go together with our autumn-colored candles and pumpkins. I know, it’s a true obsession! But it’s nice to look out the window onto autumn and see it on your table as well.
Even though my official address says “Spa” now, we actually live outside of the city in a village called Nivezé, meaning we have autumn right at our doorstep. Back in Croatia, I only lived in cities so every time I walk through Spa, I’m reminded of the “city autumn”. Countryside autumn, I’ve learned, is much different. Much slower, more colorful and muddier! But being closer to nature during my favorite season feels completely different. Waking up and seeing fog first thing in the morning on most mornings makes me stupidly happy. There’s nothing I love more during autumn!
I still like walking through the city and reminiscing on memories of autumn I have from Croatia because they still make me happy. Chilly autumn air, street lights reflecting on the puddles of rain, Tom Waits’ songs playing in my ears, and golden leaves crackling under my feet. The only difference is in the puppy walking next to me! Whether in memories or in the present, autumn is the only season that makes me simultaneously nostalgic and happy.
