Ok, before I discuss the reason for the title of this blog post I want to clarify that I have yet to have one problem/issue here in Oviedo and Spain in general. I can honestly say that my time here has been a blessing in every possible way. God has repeatedly revealed to me that he is evident in the details of my life instead of just the big picture.
While Oviedo has been more than I could have imagined, it did hold some surprises... since the beginning of October, the weather has changed from a lovely 70 - 75 degrees to a more frigid 50 - 55 degrees. This change is also known as autumn, for those of you who don't have the pleasure of enjoying 4 seasons like all of us Oregonians (Apologies for the shameless plug...). Now, I consider myself a fairly hearty girl. I am not usually bothered by cold weather or rain (I have lived the majority of my life in one of the rainiest states). Additionally, one of my many nicknames among my friends is "Heater Hands" due to my surprising ability to have warm hands during the freezing winter months.
But, nothing could prepare me for the shock that was discovering the majority of apartment complexes here in Oviedo, do not turn on the heat until November! This is due to a few reasons: to reduce pollution, to conserve energy, and the most important reason, the manager of the apartment complex controls the heater. What this means is that when I walk in the door after coming home from school, I am greeted with a warm "¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?" from my host mom contrasted with cool air of our frigid 60 degree home. Good news: according to my mother, people burn more calories when they are cold (something about the body having to work harder to stay warm). Not as good news: every day, my host mother and I have to wear every layer of clothing we can possibly fit on our bodies, trying to stay warm (Imagine the little kid in all of his snow clothes from "The Christmas Story"). We are truly a humorous pair and I would take a picture to show all of you, however, I am too cold to get up take the picture.
Also, I am debating whether or not I will shower until November as the idea of having to take a shower in this freezing house makes me cringe.
So, beyond the joy of seeing autumn inch closer and closer, I have the additional pleasure of knowing that November marks the beginning of removing at least a few layers of jackets/sweaters as well as taking showers :)
Hasta pronto!
1) Don't shower. but! if you must, take a really long shower, don't turn on the fan, and bring all of your layers with you into the bathroom. That way it'll steam up the bathroom and keep it warm for you when you get out and after you dry off you can jump right into all of your layers and brace yourself for the chill that awaits you on the other side of the door.
ReplyDelete2) I, too, enjoy the idea of you moving layers of clothing... heyo!
oh my goodness! I've lived in a house where our heater broke and it was quite cold and not enjoyable, but maybe an electric blanket would help???? Good luck!
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