Aww, I have to fly to the other side of the world if I really want to see snow or fall leaves. I think I will want to fly to Japan! But how cold does it really get? How does it feel like during winter? :O
No matter how cold you think you've experienced, no Singaporean can ever prepare you for the coldness of winters. Japan may have some snow... but Canada is where the snow is at. Unfortunately, 22 hours of flight might drive you insane before you reach it.
I went to the Cameron Highlands with a bunch of Singaporeans in the summer of 2007. Temperature wise, it was probably similar to where I live now, in the summer. Mid to low 20C. More than half of them became sick because it was too cold. I loved it. Most were able to tolerate it, but quite a few needed long sleeves and half of them got colds.
Several years ago, my friend spoke to me. (Partially paraphrased)
A: "My brother is coming to ______ for an exchange. Can you tell him how to prepare?"
Me: "Sure"
B: "Hi, I hear you live _______ can tell me about?"
Me: "I'll try to answer any questions I can"
B: "I hear Canada has lots of of snow."
Me: "We have it during winter, but not all the time. But yeah, we have it."
B: "Oh. Good. I don't see snow before."
Me: "When are you coming?"
B: "I go for Winter exchange."
Me: "You'll see snow for sure then."
B: "How cold is ________."
Me: "About -20C average."
B: "Oh, 20 degree is not bad. Can wear sweater."
Me: "No, MINUS 20C. You might want a down filled jacket, or two." (Semi joking)
B: "Ha ha. Temperature can be minus?"
/insert surprise and facepalm and explanation of -40C to him.
Anyone recall the scene in cool runnings where the jamaican guy puts on like 20 layers? I went to the airport to pick up this kid on a day where the temp was around the mid -20s (I think) and found him and his friend wearing
thin layers x3 or 4. I asked him if he had a jacket and he was like, "Oh yeah, it's in my suitcase. Do you think I'll need it?"
I responded yes pretty quickly.
