Fall Flavors and Football

Two weekends ago, I ventured to a sports bar in the basement of a train station. This is the meeting spot for the Michigan Alumni in London group, to watch football games. We all watched the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, screamed in frustration, cheered with enthusiasm, and eventually filled the basement with a rolling chorus of Hail to the Victors. It was so great to watch us beat State, especially since we haven’t in so long, but it really made me miss Ann Arbor. The city hasn’t dared to have a football season without me present in 21 years. I’m a bit shocked that they had the nerve to continue in my absence. The late night Indian food and slumber party to follow, with my friend Abigail, was great. However, I know it was nothing compared to the Saturday night celebrating my friends were doing back in Ann Arbor.

Fall is my favorite season. I have always loved the crisp air, overcast sky, pumpkin carving, snuggly clothes and stunning displays of color. When I started at Michigan, Fall meant all my friends coming back into town, welcome week, tailgates, football games and Halloween parties.

Lucky me, Ann Arbor Fall has been arriving in care packages. My brilliant friend, Alex, sent me an envelope full of leaves and a drawing.

Also, my parents sent me some Afternoon Delight Muffins and pumpkin bread. I forgot that having everything pumpkin flavored in the Fall is very American, which is unfortunate, because pumpkin has always been one of my favorites. I’ve found pumpkin goulash here, but that’s about it. I’ve been overcompensating with apples, pretending that I got to go to the orchard myself and pick them. The scent of honey chili apple chips has been wafting through my flat for days now.