Summer in the US is a big thing. Across the US they all have at least two months off of school where they can enjoy the sunshine of the summer. People can travel internationally, go to the beach and do all kinds of things. For me this year that was not the case, I got onto an airplane and went back home to South Africa to experience an icy winter. I was excited but also nervous to feel how cold it would really be.
I was so used to the heat of Florida that when I landed in South Africa I was shocked to feel that cold. I had not experienced a South African winter since 2020 so I completely forgotten how it felt. Winters are so different and they are just as beautiful as summer. The crystal clear skies each day, the beautiful sunsets each night, and fresh air. It is all beautiful and I’m grateful I was able to take it all in.
Although there were moments where it was very difficult to get out of bed, waking up too early was not a thing because it was way too cold to go out at that time. Having to wear long sleeves each day, losing my nice Florida tan, it was all an experience that felt as though I had never experienced it. I live in the mountains so yes, it gets cold from time to time but it doesn’t snow every year. I would say my favorite part about winter is that when you’re feeling quite chilly and cold during the day, just take a blanket and go and lie on the cross and soak in that winter warmth from the sun. For some reason it is one of the best feelings out there!
When I got back to Florida I didn’t know if I was excited or not to experience the heat. I was extremely shocked when I got back and felt the humidity and heat of Florida. I’ve gotten used to it again and I wonder when next year‘s American summer and South African winter holds for me!