Fall overseas hasn’t always brought warm feelings of gratitude, as it usually does in my home country. I’ve had to adapt to what fall in South Asia means, shift my expectations, and take ownership of how to bring fall into my rhythms instead of waiting until vibrant colored leaves crunch beneath my feet or pumpkin-spiced drinks fill menus.
I don’t mind fall overseas anymore. I think of it as a challenge of creativity and cooking from scratch– which isn’t really anything specific to this season. It’s also a time to embark on outdoor adventures once again after monsoon rains have hindered plans for months.
I’ve seen typical “fall buckets lists” that consist of buying fall socks, going on a hay ride, raking leaves, or going to a pumpkin patch. While all these things can be wonderful, many of us have no way of doing activities like these in our host country. There is no place to buy seasonal socks and pumpkins are only sold at the market (not a patch) during certain times of the year. Hay isn’t used for rides but rather to keep cattle alive and well. There are no falling leaves or such a thing as a rake.
I made a Canva graphic of a fall fun list that our family is going to work through this season. It’s simply to enjoy fall no matter where you live in the world.
Even if it doesn’t feel like fall, we can still bring fall into recipes and rhythms.
It’s always a good reminder and reset to get outside, go for a hike nearby or take a walk around the neighborhood. Get creative and use this as a guide. Maybe you don’t have camping access but can camp in your living room. Maybe you can’t find corn anywhere but there’s another local vegetable you can enjoy.
Enjoy this free download and embrace this current season of fall, wherever you are.
What are some of your favorite fall activities you can do no matter where you are?
Here is a homemade kettle corn recipe that is similar to the one I have used.