When we first arrived in Chile back in August it was cold, especially at night. However, with the thought of Spring pretty much on the doorstep, getting through the first few weeks wasn’t so bad.
Now, after months of hot, dry, sunny weather here in Santiago, it is finally becoming quite obvious that winter is upon us. Although the days continue to be comfortably warm, as soon as the sun starts to go down, the temperature begins to drop.
Fortunately, this change in weather is welcome by me. I am simply disappointed Fall here does not compare in any way to those we experience in Michigan. Fall is my favorite time of year; I love the cool crispness of the air, the radiant colors of the trees, the potent smell of burning leaves. It is such a beautiful season. In Chile, however, the transition to winter has not been so lovely. Of course, I am sure the changes are more distinct in the South, but here in Santiago I am left disenchanted.
So, winter is knocking, and I am embracing it (for the time being). After having lived in Michigan my entire life, I think I am ready for what it has to bring with it. Although, I should not become overly confident, considering I will probably never be able to warm up because heating of buildings is achieved only by portable stoves and the insulation is less than satisfactory (my windows welcome drafty cold air all night long), which does not keep a space toasty warm necessarily. It seems not only will I freeze my butt off while I am out and about, I will also freeze my butt off while I am at home and where I am working. But, I am not complaining, just trying to mentally prepare myself… I am sure I will survive. All I know is this: me and a hot water bottle will be inseparable and wearing 10 different layers of clothes all day long will be become mandatory.
P.S. I am sorry if I ever had the rub-it-in-your-face attitude about all the nice weather I was having during the long winter back in the States. It was unintentional, I swear. Now, in the near future, I am not going to want anything more than to be back home, for a beautiful sunny, 70-ish degree day (with a light breeze), for a wonderful round of golf with my Pops. Ugh, that’s going to be tough. Be gentle, I don’t want to become homesick, ha!
