Fall season is officially here.
However, my idea of fall is very different from what I'm seeing around in America these days.
Shorts and sandals are still a thing: I understand that it's kind of warm and sunny outside, but c'mon. Shorts and sandals in October? I'm amazed by how American students have developed a type of skin that adapts to the outrageous cold of the AC inside the buildings, no matter what time of the year it is. The dress code is short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts and sandals outside and inside. Only a few dare-devils wear white knee-high socks… but always with sandals. This is not what fall is about, people.
Pumpkin obsession: Everything. Is. Pumpkin. Spice. In less than a month I've seen Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin juice, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice scented candles (my friend got me one and it's life-changing, I must confess), pumpkin Oreos and there's probably pumpkin spice toothpaste, too. I don't understand the reason behind this obsession, but it's overwhelming. Pumpkins aren't a much-loved fruit in Spain, at all. We have pumpkin puree, and it's not exactly the most popular dish ever.
Fall break: In the middle of the semester, there's a random vacation called fall break, and I'm pretty sure it's made to enjoy all the "pumpkined" products. I don't really understand the purpose of this break, but I'm not one to complain because it was the perfect opportunity to spend all the money I don't have in traveling. I fulfilled my dream of going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so thank you, fall break.
The excitement about Halloween is real: This hallowed night isn't until Oct. 31, but the candy section in the food stores has been Halloween-themed since August. Americans take their traditions seriously; that's why every true American dorm room has had Halloween decorations for a few weeks. Spider webs, carved pumpkins (this is also an activity that people do here, no time for boredom in the fall), ghosts and skeletons fill the rooms, and I just can't help but wonder when people find the time to do all that.
Fall season in America — it's like being in another world. But don't mind me, I'll be wearing my knitted sweater and booties when there's 70 degree weather and doing my best to avoid all things pumpkin because God knows there'll be enough of it in the fall.
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