Monday, September 19, 2011

This morning was drippy cold and damp, raining hard on and off as I boarded the train to Bern. I was glad I had worn my warmer coat, and wished for my boots. Fall seems to be coming on fast, barreling toward us like so many Swiss trains.

Wind tunneled through the ancient streets as businesspeople bustled to and fro; I waited, standing, in the rain for the tram to pass - to risk my life jay-walking, as everyone else does, over the rails.



It felt like home. Suddenly, without expecting it, I found it even smelled like home. That made me relax a bit, though I didn't let my mind analyze why - the fact that I was feeling it was enough on this day. Off to the left, Starbucks rose high in its regal building and I decided to miss my train and go inside, entering through a worn, Neoclassic door with a lovely brass handle. Everyone else was as wet as I was from the pouring rain, and I sat by a floor to ceiling window with my almond latte and looked out on falling leaves against the austere city walls. It felt like home.

And again - it smelled like home.


18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

fall always makes me melancholy for home too. glad you found a spot of it. :)

Judy said...

We have had rain the past few days and fall is fast approaching...I hope you get to have a wood stove of some kind to warm you up on days like this.

penny said...

Funny how smells can trigger a memory of long ago.. a sweet place in the depths of our being.

I smile as your words seep into my mind as read what you write, Alli.. you do it so well, never stop. :D

Thanks for your encouraging words.. and join in my new adventure.

hugs,
Miss pp and Pam i am :D

Meg said...

Mmm sounds lovely. Your architecture, again, is beautiful. Would you care to send some of that weather here? :)

MarmePurl said...

Beautiful words and photo my new friend...I will enjoy the scent along with you!

Raindrops and Daisies said...

If you are giving out nice weather can you please send some to me here in Ireland?

Just popped over from Raindrops and Daisys and am enjoying your blog.

I will be back soon.


Fiona

Out on the prairie said...

I have caught those same smells that evoke a memory. I like the one that smells of mountains or trout streams, and head off searching for them.We had a big ride on Saturday and it was a bit cold, and wet.

Liesl said...

Glad you got to be comfy and dry for a bit...love that picture...the flowers are stunning!

Karen Xavier said...

It's pouring here too... and as much as I love the rain when I am home, it's unbearable when the city gets clogged up. But curling up with a book near the window is pretty amazing... as is sipping an almond latte and watching nature work her magic. Love the picture here, those tiny delicate flowers...

Anonymous said...

It's funny how smells can take you places, mostly to places that are dear to your heart.

xoxo
Have a great day, Allison

Carole Barkett said...

Smell is so powerful, what a wonderful find.

Nancy said...

Amazing what can bring back fond memories. I'm glad you had that moment. :)

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

There's no place like home. I happy you found a small piece of it in the city.

Randy said...

The cold has come really fast here too. Already sitting here in a flannel shirt wishing for Skinny Vanilla Latte.

PJ van Zyl said...

such a great post with so much feeling. I felt like I was there

Dawn said...

What a wonderful shot!
No place like home...or the feeling of.

Michael Rowland said...

Great photo, things are looking up,,,M

lindasinklings said...

I love that two distinctly different places and scents can smell like home. That is beautiful and good.