This is the fifth winter of my life and as much as I experience low temperatures my body seems to refuse to get used to the constant cold, dryness of the skin, the hunchbacked body and, almost as important, the need of all the winter accessories: hat, scarf, gloves, coat and boots.

Growing up in Havana, Cuba, the change of seasons was never something to worry about. The hurricane season is from July to November but, unless there is a general alert, you only wonder if it is going to rain or not, or if the 1pm heat is going to catch you on your way to your errands. You wear sandals except for a few days between December and February because it is “freezing” outside on the Island (15 degrees).

I just moved to the exact opposite country. Canadian winter is not a joke. First you consider yourself lucky since the heating system works perfectly everywhere. Then, you realize that walking everyplace is not an option and lingering outdoors will not be a part of your daily life anymore. You ask yourself if the snow is melting and begin to appreciate the different stages/types of snow.

You start living the spring and summer differently. Do not dare to waste one single sunny day! Even during the so-called “bittersweet autumn” somehow your body connects to nature and things switch inside. To me, the lack of light affects my mood and energy as well. I have to force myself to be more active and convince that little bug inside of me that this is not the end of the world.

People truly enjoy winter in Canada. Many friends look forward to practice winter sports and to get some relief from the annoying summer sweat once and for all. ☺

Is there hope for me? I tried to play hockey the other day on a frozen pond (never thought I would step on a frozen body of water) and had a fun time. Also, I have been tobogganing a couple of times and still believe that I am of a tropical species and there is nothing like a warm Caribbean beach.

Maybe there is going to be more coming about this freezing January weather. The written word is still the best therapy for me and, alas, with the way things look outside my window I am happy I am back to my Internet space.

Enjoy the flurries.

Y