5th May – still in short sleeves

Let’s get one thing straight, I will never “love” winter, but it’s a case of “grin and make the most of it”, at least until I’m rich enough to spend each southern winter in Europe.

Winter in Chile certainly seemed a lot shorter than I’m used to back home, maybe because it was SO different, that the novelty of it seemed to make it go faster.

Sure, the average “low” temperatures are lower, but the average “high” temperatures are higher, and the sun is so often out.  Plus, unlike Melbourne, there’s no wind and hardly any rain so, yes, you have to rug up, but at least you don’t have to carry half your wardrobe and an umbrella.

29th May – snow & blue skies

The downside is that, with minimal wind and rain, but more cloud and moisture, the pollution is at its worst in the winter, and sometimes you can literally see the smog cloud at the end of your street.

But, there’s snow!  Not like in England, where it falls on the ground in the cities and goes mushy, and gets slippery and dirty and, although it looks pretty for a while, it makes you want to stay indoors.

No, here, it snows in the surrounding mountains, while we carry on our normal daily routine in the city, enjoying the blue skies and sugar-coated view of the mountains.

18th Jul – cold but sunny

I remember my excitement the first time I glanced out an office window and realised I could actually see the first big snow of the season falling on the distance peaks.

I must have looked like an excited little kid, and the receptionist was extremely amused.

And, snow brings skiing!  We went for a day last year, and somehow managed to pick the worst weather day of the season, but still had a blast.

24th Aug – snowy, cold & fun

The ski fields are easily accessible on a day trip from the city.  You can leave early in the morning, spend the day skiing, and be bathing in your own warm tub (with a glass of red) by 9pm.

I’ll be sure to take more opportunities to ski this year!

It only seemed to be really cold in July and August, and was then on the up-and-up.  I hope my memory serves me correctly, and I can survive another Chilean winter.

It really is very pretty and, despite the cold and the pollution, it’s unlike any other winter I’ve experienced before, and something that I love about living in Chile.

14th Sep – still rugged up in the hills

20th Sep – single layers on the coast