Winter Is Here

Not My Favourite Time of Year

Today was the first day I have really felt cold, as Australia moved from summer to winter — almost overnight. This really isn't my favourite time of year, and the longer I live in Australia, the more I hate it. This isn't winter as I remember it in the UK; this is different. In fact, it is akin to the winters I spent in Spain, when I moved to Gran Alacant ten years ago.

We moved to Gran Alacant in February 2016, and to be honest, I don't know what I was expecting. When I arrived in Alicante, from a foggy, rain-drenched Britain, I was longingly expecting a little bit of heat. That wasn't what I got. There was winter sun of sorts, but the nights were bitter, colder than anything I had experienced before. I guess many of you think I'm exaggerating, but Mediterranean winters, rather like the winter here in Australia, are markedly different.

Whether it's the lack of cloud cover and the icy clear sky, or quite simply the lack of heating in homes, I don't know, but the cold really does chill you to the bone. That said, Spain did teach me much about surviving those harsh winters on top of the ravine in Calle Canarias. In many respects, it was like going back in time. Our villa had no heating at all, we relied on a small calor gas heater and layer after layer of clothes. The location of our house on top of Heart Attack Hill didn't help matters, and with the sea just a short-distance away, it felt particularly cold, as the elements took hold.

Packing for Japan

Like Spain, I don't have many winter clothes in Australia. Yes, winter is particularly bad at times, but it only lasts for a few short months - certainly not long enough to justify buying a wardrobe of winter woolies. However with our trip to Japan just around the corner, it was time to actually buy some suitable attire. Japan is in the northern hemisphere, unlike Australia, so it will be significantly colder than Perth, even during our winter season. For that reason, I have had to buy seasonal clothes, which I will probably never wear again - well, not unless I go to Britain anytime soon.

I have just got back from town, after buying a couple of jackets. This is the only time of year I can source something warmer, and they won't remain on the shelves long. I have literally given up looking for waterproof shoes and will purchase some in Japan instead. Finding anything waterproof is always a fruitless task. Most people drive and do not require water-resistant clothing and footwear. For me, however, as someone who doesn't drive, it is essential. Usually, I would buy something online, but with only two weeks left before we travel, and postage delivery services in Australia shockingly bad, I have decided against it.

The hope is that we won't have to pack too many warm garments for Japan, and the temperature will be relatively comfortable. I am mindful, nevertheless, that Japan's weather is very similar to the UK and can change dramatically during the course of the day. Preparing for every eventuality is important, and I now have everything I need for a safe trip, without freezing to death.

Last night, we also completed our embarkation cards for Japan and the new QR code system they have in place. The paperwork online was quite lengthy, at over 14 pages, but it will save us significant time on arrival. We don't actually get to Osaka until late at night, so anything I can do to save valuable minutes before heading to the car will be a bonus.

Packing The Summer Away

The fans have been packaged away in the storeroom, and the electric fires have been bought out in preparation for the oncoming winter onslaught. Perth is known as one of the windiest cities in the World, even during the summer, when hot winds blow across the city. For that reason, we must prepare for any eventuality. Securing the garden, trees, shrubs, and catio is important, especially while we are away.

Darrell is outside doing the essential maintenance before we depart, leaving the villa winter-ready on our return. It is difficult packing summer away each year. Despite how hot temperatures get, it is preferable to avoid the aches and pains of arthritis. Unlike Britain, you really do have to plan for the changing seasons in Western Australia. The UK's mild, cooler, all-year-round weather means there is very little to do each season, an aspect of life I miss living in Perth.

Well, we are as ready as we ever will be, and when we arrive back in Australia towards the end of May, we can at least walk into a house that is winter-ready. Our trip to Japan will be the precursor before the dark nights close in and the Ugg boots come out. No, it isn't my favourite time of year, but it is a time of relief for many Aussies, after the long hot summer - for me, nothing could be further from the truth.