Hi I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English.

Puoi ascoltare questo podcast e leggere contemporaneamente una trascrizione completa sul mio sito speakwithnick.it podcast. Ma prima di seguire la trascrizione ti invito ad ascoltare senza leggere. Con un approccio positivo e curioso, accetta il fatto che non capirai tutto all’inizio, cerca di intuire il significato, poi dopo leggi la trascrizione per arrivare ad una comprensione completa. Buon ascolto!

For me, autumn should feel like a warm cosy Sunday. Nothing should be rushed. At this time of year I feel nature is inviting us to slow down, and match the gentle and steady rhythm of the falling leaves as the nights draw in and the temperatures begin to drop.

A great autumn day should start with a hearty breakfast and my favourite at this time of year is porridge. When we were kids in the UK there was an advert on the TV for a famous brand of porridge. The catchphrase was – it’s ‘central heating for kids’! The ad showed children walking to school under the rain. The kid who obviously hadn’t had his porridge was shivering and looking miserable. The kid who had eaten his “central heating” was surrounded by a warm orange glow and was skipping and smiling. It’s an image that has stayed with me.

For the perfect porridge I like to put about five heaped spoons of porridge oats into a bowl. Then I drown them in milk and let them sit for around 10 minutes. Next I add some diced apple, give it a stir and heat it up for about a minute in the microwave. Then I top off the porridge with a light dusting of cinnamon and a handful of nuts and dried fruit. Yum! The cold can’t touch me now!

The next part of my ideal autumn day is getting dressed to go out for a walk in nature. Dressing in layers is the order of the day. On top I wear a t-shirt and a jumper and a light puffy jacket that can easily be stowed in a backpack just in case the sun comes out.

The trees are without doubt the stars of the autumn show, as they begin their final dance of the year, in which they shake off their foliage in the wind. The magical colours of gold and yellow brighten this otherwise sombre moment preceding the dark stillness of Winter.

It’s the time for harvest festivals, when people come together to show off and sell their autumn bounty. Local markets or farm shops have food stalls with fruits and vegetables, like apples, pumpkins, broccoli, beans and others. You can enjoy a festive, traditional, community spirit that makes this season special.

The most famous autumn event is probably Halloween ( listen to: Memories of Halloween ), but there is also Bonfire Night on the 5th of November when we remember Guy Fawkes with bonfires and fireworks. ( To learn more about Bonfire Night I have an article and podcast on my website here: Memories of Bonfire Night ).

And after all the fresh air and excitement you’ll need to get your energy back with something warm for lunch, something tasty that reflects the abundance of the harvest.

It could be a slow cooked meat stew on the stove or a casserole in the oven. Simple but incredibly comforting food. Many English dishes that are available all year round are rich and filling and seem perfect for Autumn and winter. Classic combinations are beef and ale, steak and kidney, chicken leek and mushroom, mince meat and vegetables in a shepherd’s pie, and sausage and mash with onion gravy. And for dessert, how about a sweet apple crumble or pie, with plenty of hot custard on top?

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy some seasonal grub in a good British pub with an open fire you’re in for a treat! However, nothing beats heading home for a late Sunday lunch and to be able to put your feet up and relax with friends in the warmth of your own place.

And while you’re at home with family or friends you can embrace the ‘Hygge’ lifestyle! This curious noun (pronounced /hoo-guh/) comes from Scandinavia where it is used all year round. It means creating warmth and cosiness at home with comfy seating, blankets and the right ambience. It means feeling relaxed and content, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life like a cup of tea, curling up with a good book or chatting with loved ones. A perfect mood for autumn! Have a good one!