winter wonderland

So, contrary to the date "winter" technically starts, winter has arrived in Hungary. It is so cold! I can definitely feel it, especially since I have to spend more time outside, not having a car and all. Yesterday Heather and I waited 25 minutes at the Volanbus stop on our way to get her haircut. We had to take the volanbus and then get on the 49 tram and then get on the M1 metro and then walk 2 blocks. After the wait at the Volanbus stop, my toes were in so much pain I wanted to...do something drastic...like go home. My feet never thawed out until an hour and a half later when we finally arrived at the hair place. The trip home was much better because we were able to keep moving and didn't start the trip with painfully frozen appendages.

I don't know if I am ready for this intense winter. I do have my snow boots and ultra down coat. Hopefully I will learn to adjust and dress warmly enough everyday. Part of the problem is that the school is HOT, especially the "east wing" building where the elementary school is located.

As much as I love fires in the fireplace, snow, crisp air, warm blankets, heated beverages, and everything Christmas related, I do not prefer winter. I don't like the lack of sun, an especially huge problem in Hungary where many winter days we don't see the sun at all (arriving at school before it's up at 8am and leaving after it sets at 3pm). I also am not a huge fan of being freezing outside and then coming inside and 'burning up' and having a runny nose. Oh winter, it's a good thing you have Christmas and sleigh rides* or else I would just not like you.



* I have yet to experience a sleigh ride, but the thought of the possibility makes my heart happy.