cold, cold &.. still cold!

The dreaded winter clocks in officially today. This is my (our) least favourite season since we both abhor the cold. There's nothing really nice about winter except maybe for the snow, which makes things look pretty in this otherwise grey season. It's just too damn cold to be outside doing anything fun besides maybe skiing.. sure it's freezing all the same when you go skiing but skiing gear is quite different and since it's too cold, you kinda 'forget' it after a while. My first ski left me with 'dead' ears (total numbness), so if we ever plan to go skiing again, I'd be better equipped.

If my first winter here had me broke out in rashes due to my unaccustomed 'sensitive, delicate tropical skin', I'm more adapted to the climate here now... and of course I have my own survival kit close by all the time - my trusted lotion(s) and lip balm.. the key here is to constantly moisturize, moisturize and moisturize.. otherwise you'd be left all cracked up and dry as the desert.

I certainly do not recommend family and friends to come around here during this harsh season... unless you wanna have a go at ski (which is quite a feat to do) and wanna fulfill that childhood dream of touching/eating/playing with real snow. Not only will you have to spend extra money on winter clothes which you'd probably wear only once (or a few times) in your lifetime... plus, most of the attraction parks will be closed during this period of the year. Besides, daylight is much shorter during winter - sunrise is at around 8.30 am, while sunset is at around 5.00 pm - no fun... our lights are usually on by 4.30 pm.

So save your money and plan a trip around end spring/early summer, where it's neither too cold nor too hot... and you'll get to experience the country in its full glory.