What winter?

“Watch out for the Waikato Winter” I was inform many times when I arrived in New Zealand. With steady reminders about how cold and wet it gets here, I was braced for a daily confrontation against cold, icy mornings, constant rain, driving winds and bad moods. Ready to conquer the predications that a mere Aussie will not cope with the onslaught and will be pointed at and teased, eventually forever being shunned as a fool. So I waited for the intensity of winter to bring on its wrath, I waited to step up to the challenge of showing my capacity to adapt to the climatic extremes of New Zealand, and I waited to see spring arrive so I could exultantly call myself the victor of this battle against the elements. And I am still waiting. It did get cold. It was minus 4 degrees Celsius a few mornings, it definitely did rain more frequently than my place of origin in Australia, and I can see snow on the distant volcanic peaks. But now the daily temperatures are in the mid to high teens again, and rising. The nights are mild enough to start the day in a short sleave and vest. The grass is growing, the birds are singing, the bulbs are flowering, the days are getting much longer, and yes, spring has pounced upon our paradise. So why don’t I feel triumphant, like I survived the nastiest weather experience ever and want to run up the hills shouting “Victory to the Aussie, Victory I say!”. I think it is because many locals have this idea that all of Australia is sunny and warm year round. Many have relatives living in Queensland, which of course is not the best representation of Australia, so that is what they know best. Every time you see a travel advertisement or a holiday package deal it is also to Queensland, yet again spreading the rumour that all of Australia is warm and sunny. Full stop. It is unacknowledged that places like Adelaide and Melbourne can get icy cold in winter, and that it snows in Canberra and Hobart. Queensland is not Australia, but it is what many people over here seem to identify with. So, I did survive the winter unscathed, and upon hearing a few locals say that was the most terrible winter they recall, my confidence is enhance to endure the next few winters with less struggle than the last. I guess that still signifies I can get into my boots, ascend the nearest knoll, and roar “Victory is upon us, let’s celebrate!”.

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. (St. Augustine)