The smell of Winter

It hit me yesterday, as I walked out of the office building. A familiar smell which at first I couldn't quite place. Or rather, I couldn't quite figure out the emotions it evoked in me, as it hit me in the face as I walked out the doors.

The cold breeze blowing in this city has a smell. I cannot possibly be described for I do not know entirely to what it is due. Pollution perhaps? It is not like a smell emanating from a freshly cooked bun for instance, where one can smell the dough and the familiar smell of the oven. No - this is something much more complex, yet so simple in its smell.

A smell. One of our five senses, and also one which I think is greatly undervalued. This smell was so powerful that it instantly brought back memories and feelings which I had forgotten. Memories though, because I am fortunately over the feelings, though when struck by them at first I couldn't quite understand.

The feelings: the loneliness and emptiness that had accomanied my arrival (or rather, return) to this country only 8 months ago now.

I can only hope that this smell of winter will become one of a warm winter and happier times. It surely cannot be worse than the last?