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.

Korea in the Fall

The weather broke!  By that I mean the high humidity and temps of 80 - 90 degrees F are finally gone.  Now we've hit the mid-70's to mid-80's and the humidity is low.  Every now and then we get some rain, but for the most part, these are the perfect days for hikes and bike rides.

Yesterday we had a "playground crawl" for the Goodmorning Hill/Ramien apt. families (and anyone else interested in joining us).  There were maybe a dozen adults and more than a dozen kids.  We hung out at Goodmorning Hill for awhile.  The women chatted.  The men played frisbee.  The kids cruised on bikes and scooters.  Then we caravanned over to Ramien to a new-to-us playground there.  The boys found sticks.  The older girls doted on the littlest kids.  And in general, there was lots of running and climbing.

On our way back to GMH we stopped by the Bounce House so the newbies would know how to find it.  This is an awesome service in our neighborhood.  Just one guy mans the place.  It's a semi-indoor facility with 6 trampolines all bound together as if you are in an inflatable bounce castle.  The kids pay 1000 Won for 30 minutes and bounce until they're all sweat and laughter.  Sometimes they manage a bit of dodgeball with the bouncy balls in there.  Sometimes siblings get on each others' nerves.  But mostly, it's a great way to work off pent up energy - even in the winter time.  Now, however, with the weather so much more pleasant, the kids can bounce and the parents can enjoy  some adult time without sweating.

Anna and her new friend Gracie found a small aquatics pet shot across from the Bounce House.  This could be perfect for us.  If we decide we need a larger tank for our turtle or a real UVA/UVB tank bulb, I'm fairly certain the guy will be able to hook us up.  He had some interesting fish and turtles in there.

Today we took advantage of the good weather again.  We headed off to the skate park near Daeduk (or Shinsigae + Emart).  It's a 15 minute bike ride along the river.  I love the smell of the river!  There weren't many kids there when we arrived so the kids got some good time in on the ramps with their bikes.  Then we headed to Daeduk and ended up at a French sort of place called Plate 904 or some such thing.  Two of the outer walls are all collapsable windows, so in essence you are both inside and outside at the same time.  I love it!  Aside from the pesky bee who didn't realize he was "in" the restaurant.  But the fresh air was perfect and my cream-shrimp-pasta was tasty.  Most all of the restaurants in this area are pricey, but it's nice to splurge from time to time.

So, I'm digging the fall temps and the outdoor activities.