Coming from the great state of California, I’ve gotten accustomed to not having a “real winter.” Of course, real winter exists in Tahoe or Big Bear, but I’m not from there. I’m from a city not too away from Los Angeles. So the middle of October in Georgia feels like my Californian winter: 50-something Fahrenheit degree weather with a chance of rain and wind.
Combine the lack of winter training with low blood circulation and you get me sitting in my bedroom under the covers at 4:00 p.m. wearing fluffy socks, a thermal shirt, a sweater, and two pairs of PJ bottoms. Seriously, I’m not over-exaggerating, my finger nails are slightly blue/purple-ish from being cold. The best part is that this is only FALL/AUTUMN in Georgia!
Silver lining is that at least I don’t feel silly in my mismatched, warm, layered clothing. My host parents are also layering and wearing their jackets indoors. My host dad wore a scarf while eating dinner the other day. While making lunch, my host mom wore her fluffy, insulated boots yesterday. To answer your question, no they weren’t going somewhere or just came back from running an errand. We dress prepped for the outdoors even if we are remaining indoors.
This is because Georgia has no central heating system in their schools, offices, or homes. The buildings are also not insulated. So if it is cold outside, it is cold inside. If it is hot outside, it also hot inside. The only difference is that you aren’t going to feel the wind or the rain indoors. So at least that rainy cloud won’t be following you once you step into the front door.
Even though I already started layering indoors, it has not gotten bad yet. I’m not sleeping in my sleeping bag yet. I’m not shivering when I’m momentarily changing clothes. I’m also not wearing multiple layers of fluffy socks (the real sign of winter for me).
However, I do have a feeling that I’m going to embody everything listed on this Odyssey article come winter.