Baby, It's Cold Outside

Okay, so it's not really cold outside here in Hong Kong. Compared to the below-freezing temperatures at home, it is positively balmy. But, it's surprising how chilly 50 degrees can feel when it hasn't been cooler than the upper 60s in many, many months.

In the past few weeks, we have had a few chilly days here and there, but never more than three in a row. I haven't yet had to wear tights under my school dresses every day in a week. Although the temperatures for me have been rather pleasant, I have seen many natives bundled up tight, looking like they were ready even for snow. Last week, two teachers at my school wore puffy down parka-type coats, which was quite amusing.

This week, temperatures will be in the 50s, and possibly even the 40s, for a longer period of time, and I can't say I'm looking forward to it. At home, I don't love winter either, but it is a different type of discomfort in a place not used to colder temperatures. For instance, my apartment has no heating, and the fan in the bathroom is open to the outside air. The hallways at school are open-air and breezy, and apparently the windows will almost always be open, in order to keep fresh air in and germy air out.

If this "cold" spell continues, I may have to break down and buy a space heater. But for now, I will try to enjoy the chill, because it does at least make it feel a little more like Christmastime.