In my first winter in Swan Hill, Victoria, I was not prepared for the cold weather and had no warm clothing, blankets, or heating in my home. This made it difficult to survive in the freezing conditions, and I struggled to stay warm at night, even using unconventional methods like wrapping my space in aluminum foil and lighting a flame with a lighter to try and retain some heat. The extreme cold made every moment a struggle for three long months.
Basic tasks like showering were also difficult in the extreme cold, and my outdoor job planting almond trees in a small, windowless vehicle added to the challenges. In the morning, I faced icy dew and strong winds, and when it rained, it usually lasted for a week. My Estonian friends Stessi and Emil were shocked to find that I had no heating or warm water in my home and were concerned about the potential dangers of living without proper heating in such cold conditions. They couldn’t believe that I was able to endure such conditions without any problems and were worried about my well-being.
However, subsequent winters in South Australia have been much easier and enjoyable for me. With access to a heater and warm water, the cold no longer feels as extreme and I have come to appreciate the winter season. The city of Adelaide is also less crowded during the winter, as people tend to escape to warmer regions such as Queensland. The struggles of my first winter without proper heating will always stay with me, but I am grateful for the warmth and comfort that I now have during the colder months. The contrast between my first winter and subsequent winters has been stark, and I am thankful for the improvements that have made my winters more bearable and enjoyable.
Vires in Numeris 