Thank you, Asia "Weather" (68 days to go until Wisconsin)

March 24, 2021

The winter before we left Wisconsin in 2010, I shovelled 90 inches of snow.  As I recall there had been a record snowfall and Brent's back had been bad and I couldn't work the large snowblower, so I shovelled.  Of course, at the beginning of the winter, no one knew there would be that much snow to contend with. All this to say I am quite thankful for most of (but not all of) the weather we have encountered while in Asia.

Cherry Blossoms in Korea

When we lived in Korea, we learned that while there was not much snow, there was a very biting wind that could go right through you standing at the bus stop.  We layered up to endure the freezing temperatures but always delighted that there was so little snow.  Best of all, Korea had a LONG spring.  Once we saw the beautiful blossoms on bushes and trees, we realized that our spring, replete with cherry blossoms, was just as beautiful as the famed Japanese spring.  The temperatures were so perfect for weeks and weeks.  Korea also had a fall, but not nearly as lovely as fall in Wisconsin.  Of course we fled the country during the summers, which were unbearably hot and humid there. 

Upon moving to the subtropics of Hong Kong, true winter disappeared.  But then again, so did spring and fall.  Our winter is amazing, feeling more like a May or June day in Wisconsin.  There is nothing better than a February day in the mid-60s.  Even today as I write this it is March 24 and 70 degrees at 4:30 pm. Flowers are blooming and trees are blooming.  There is low humidity and I would call it a perfect day! For this, I have great gratitude.  However, soon the humidity and the temperature will get crazy hot.  Even walking outside for a few minutes will mean wet sweaty arms and face.  

Some of my fondest memories are being in SE Asia during Christmas holiday.  There is nothing quite as amazing as walking along a beach barefoot on Christmas day or New Year's Eve as we have done in the Phillipines and Vietnam and Hong Kong. 

December 26, 2018 in Hong Kong

Of course, living through historic typhoons was "fun" in its own way. . . can we say "typhoon day"?

September 17, 2018 Typhoon Mangkhut (max 150 mph winds) T-10

For more, watch this video from the South China Morning Post

While all of this is true - I really have appreciated much about the weather - I actually look forward to spending the next winter in Wisconsin.  New fallen snow is very beautiful.  And there is nothing like a fire, a hot chocolate, and a Packer game in December.  

Photos and video by ©Brenda Brayko.  All rights reserved.