The first snow of the year! We’ve had more rain (and now snow) here than is typical… we love it 🙂

We have learned some interesting Chinese culture surrounding the weather. As soon as September 1st hit, we started seeing people wear more jackets and sweaters than was necessary. Just like you aren’t supposed to wear white after Labor day, you’re not supposed to wear anything short sleeved after August. It didn’t matter that it was 75 and sunny, we started being reprimanded by all our neighbors in the elevator.

Then the snow came, and Kristen and I bundled up – hats, gloves, layers, the whole thing – but the Chinese seemed to be wearing the same thing they were when it was 75. Our teacher said that “they have a secret”… long underwear under their pants. Just like our “80% of your heat escapes from your head” rule, they are taught that if your legs are warm then the whole body is warm. No one wears hats. We might just adopt both rules… when it’s cold, we’re cold. 7 layers, 3 pants, 2 gloves, 4 socks, hat… it’s gonna be a long winter.