No one told me it got cold in Australia. My wardrobe was not adequately prepared for such weather. I envisioned Australia to be sunny and beach clothing to be appropriate all year long. My suitcase was packed full of lime green tanks and other spring-like colored shirts. That is all tucked away in the back of my closet. Now I wear bulky jackets and am covered in the depressing colors of gray and black.
Luckily, Melbourne is home to the world famous “four seasons in a day.” Every so often there will be an exceptionally warm morning. I get excited and bring out the summer clothing, only to be left looking like a fool when the sun goes down and everyone has a jacket/scarf combo. Then there are other days that start out with frost on the ground and icicles hanging from Old Man Winter’s nose. I am deathly afraid of cold so I dress as if I were going to brave the Arctic tundra. It would make sense then, for temperatures to skyrocket later in the day.
Layers, I have been told, layers. Whatever, I will put “four seasons in a day” on a list with the Internet and flying squirrels of things I will never comprehend.
On a different note, winter conjures many emotions. While winter is hardly exciting, it does bring a unique smell to the air and the smell of winter makes me think. The smell of winter makes me think of wearing my favorite sweatshirt, it makes me think of homemade soup, it makes me think of aggressively yelling at Dallas Cowboy fans to the point where police have to interject.
This winter will be different, however. While it is getting cold here, it is getting hot at home. Part of the excitement for coming to Australia was to leave the cold behind. I am starting to get some of the same emotions with thoughts of going home. Fortunately, my quest for the never ending summer will be answered when I leave for Queensland in two weeks.
