The place really lives

This was written two years ago as a answer to the question, ‘What is your favorite scent?’, on Quora, and it still rings true to this day.

My favorite smell is that of the Veluwe, the area which I think of as my home ground. I don’t live there anymore now, but every time I return it smells like my youth. The countless amount of hours I’ve spent between the trees, walking, running and cycling. Leaves rustling in the wind, birds, squirrels, deers, boars and other kinds of wild life: the place really lives.