80 degrees of separation

40°C X -40°C : extreme temperatures.

This is the contrast now between Brazil and Canada thermometer (top) marks. It is something as a person being next to the stove and another one getting out of the freezer at the same time. Actually, with an even bigger difference!

Well, if the kitchen is close to the beach, I would not mind to be there sweating, conscious that I can enjoy sea later... 

I'm likely to be frost, though :/

basic winter apparel

Not to freeze (in low temperatures as -25°C).

*The order of factors does not change the product...

Head 
- wool or wool and leather hat/bonnet;
- winter ear protection.


Face (cosmetic products required)
- some kind of cocoa butter lipstick;
- moisturizer;
- a pack of facial tissues (because your nose will flow!).


Neck
- wool scarf;
- wool neck protector / wool neck warm hat / wool neck guard.

  
Hands 
- gloves/mitts 

(until -5°C, of wool / lower: sheep wool and leather / lower than -20°C: ski ones)

- for special occasions, when you'll be oustide for a while: hand warmers.


Body 
- long johns;
- baselayer long;
- a windbreaker or a sweatshirt (or both);
- snow/winter overall;
- a warm winter jacket - a long one, not to freeze your butt!

(wind-resistant and waterproof, appropriate for low temperatures);

- a (big) bag, in order to put in your gloves, hat, scarf and everything else you will take off while on metro, shopping etc. (believe me: it's boring. After ten minutes, it also starts to be heavy with the jacket in your arms!), besides all other necessary accessories you have to carry with you, like your pair of step dry shoes.


Feet
- a good pair of special winter boots

waterproof, appropriate for low temperatures. Nice brands:

Columbia, Kamik, Sorel and The North Face.

- wool socks (until 5°C: 1 pair / lower: 2 pairs / lower than -20°C: 3 pairs);
- thermal insoles;
- for special occasions, when you'll be oustide for a while: foot warmers;
- a pair of another softer shoes to wear while inside 

(snow is beautiful, but it is wet... mainly when it melts and mess all the floor).

 

Besides you look like a Eskimo or a winter monster (with lots of clothes - which you spend at least 20 minutes putting it all on), no, IT IS NOT cheap dress yourself in the winter season... Furthermore, pay so much doesn't means (at all!) you'll look great, though. Discriminating taste in fashion is a second point... (even more expensive!)
 

In your mind and spirit

- courage;

- patience; 

- willingness.

against frost weather

I used to dream about a winter black jacket of Benetton. Fluffy, with many buds. A little undue for the tropical cold of Porto Alegre city, I confess. All the same, during several years of my teenages, I went there just to check the price. Something about US$160.

Impossible for me, at that moment, buy it. Too expensive for a luxury. Nevertheless, in 2010, travelling in Europe, I found a similar one. New... for US$ 50! A bargain. I nearly bought two! No, not in a store, in a street market. A generic one. F*ck Benetton!
 

Maybe, I always knew one day I would live in a freezing place, where I will really need it. Today, it's a necessity in my current life. 

Lucky, I received from my step sister a pretty good long one. For very low temperatures, coat the ass is required (we quickly realize that!). 

Not even - 30°C scares me anymore...

Canadian

I really don't know if they realize that their country (where they were born, live, moved... whatever!) is fantastic! Without false modesty.

Of course it's not perfect (there are many problems, a lot of points to improve). Anyway, though, it's perfect in the imperfect way it is: too cold and so far, (or even 'that smooth!') - as almost all suppose.

For me, five stars: a d-r-e-a-m!

That's how I honestly see it: with much love. After all, I fell of it! I own... Here, I'm very warm in that I am in my lover arms.

I'm immensely glad for coming. I feel myself welcome here, "home".

___________________________________________________________  

Furthermore, their goal (at leat in Quebec) seems not be the same of their neighbors. Overall, hey don't partake of American Dream, not even their crazy fears (ironically presented by Michael Moore in this funny video of Bowling for Columbine). 

une autre vie

Sans toi, plus froide, trop triste. J'y crois fort!

___________________________________________________________

Parfois, je me demande comment il serait si on ne se serait pas rencontré...

Heureusement, nous ne nous sommes pas laissés au hasard!!

C'est bien, car, après tout, on voulait être ensemble. Tant mieux.

Les amoureux... si chanceux! 

(Six mois depuis le mariage déjà... ♥) 

témperature ressentie

15°C, c'est chaud ou froid? Ça dépend...

Sortez tous habillés d'une chambre maussade, frette (avec des températures qui oscillent de -5°C à 5°C), en direction au soleil, où il fait 15°C... Vous allés vous déshabiller rapidement, en sentant chaleur!

Par contre, si on sort d'un endroit chaud, ensoleillé, avec températures entre 30°C et 25°C, en maillot de bain, et arrive dans un autre, où il fait 15°C, et il y a beaucoup du vent, la réaction sera contraire... On va avoir froid! (à tabarouette!)

Ce justement cela le contraste entre l'arrivée du printemps (en avril) et du automne (en septembre), là là, au Québec. Ça fait toute la différence! - à vrai dire, n'importe où...

every Jack to his trade

While some learn how to  ride a bike or swim, others try not to slid on ice or snow. Me, who was born in a tropical country, I admit I’d never thought about that: the winter life, and its particularities (even being from the south of Brazil - where, in July or/and in August, the temperature is around 5°C - could for our Equatorial pattern).

Once living in a place where 0°C is normal in the Autumn (imagine the low winter marks…), I start to get know many things which before were completely left put in the cold - and seems inclusively a little bizarre to me… However, I’m now very interested in this kind of curiosities, everything that concerns my new (freezing) reality.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, for example, had been a unknown name until this week, when a classmate presented a research about his life. Well, he was an important (Canadian - further: a Quebecer) man: he invented the ski-doo, which should be called ‘ski-dog’ (yes, with a G!), blame of a brochure typo…   

Locomotion as well as transportation are severely difficult on icy grounds. The snowmobiles he designed have been so utile next to the poles. With his creations, he turned life easier for millions of people - Santa Claus included. Time and distances changed after that.

Experiences… for one, jet skies; for others ski-doos. Necessity.

getting shocks

Not because I am an eletric girl... It's static!

Because of the cold temperature, depending on the fabric of clothes, any charge that is built up (when rubbing something), becomes a static shock! 

It happens all the time, with everybody. 

On metro, Ouch! It really hurts sometimes... (even when joing hands - sh*t!)

little things which make all the difference

Feeling myself  welcome - Now, more than ever, I’m prizing it (once I’m satisfied with the way which people deal with immigrants in Canada)! Differently I was used to pass in Europe, here, there are not only opportunities, but (and mainly) respect.

Furthermore, other aspect that makes me appreciate this country is its people's kindness. Without a doubt, they are completely different from, for example, most part of Dutchs who I've met in The Netherlands - rude and indelicate when giving short answers, always with no smiles in their faces. 

Although their idiom seems a little brute for us, while, for instance, the Latin ones make us closer (of course), it's not only a matter of language. Even descending from French, Quebec's people are so cute and solicitous - much more beloved than their European ancestors, who, unfortunately, don't have one of the best appealing reputation - at all! Sometimes, inclusively, the anglophonic Canadians seem be even more captivating, but is not a plain fact! Maybe this unfavourably impression is made à cause des mes difficultés et de les particularités du français... Oui, peut-être!

Finally, there are many other reasons which make me believe I’m in the right place right now… Almost feeling myself as in home (or 'chez moi'). My only challenge, the worst one, which impedes me to affirm I’m 100% sure of that, is the winter(!) - that haven’t started yet. Probably, it’s going to be as cruel as colder than any other people in the whole planet! Wow… I wonder myself if Canadians are going to keep joy and so gentle even under less 30 degrees! Well, let's see.

*By now, I would like to excuse myself with Holland and French people, since I love them and their places. However, it's important to be sincere AND, in such case, EVEN WITH NO CRISIS, Europeans generally tend to have so much (related to behavior and mood) to learn with other peoples in order to improve their manners.

as a child

Happy - after all, who doesn’t like to gain gifts? As a little girl, I confess I was astonished when my father gave me his own poncho - something I know that it is special for him due to its gaucho's tradition, our culture.

Even surprised, I couldn’t deny… It will be more worth for me. Essential - it’s possible to say, owing to the severe cold weather. Now, I can’t stop thinking in other types which I might ask “mom” or “dad” later!

By the way, it is really in right now. Simply perfect!

graced

I’m blessed.

In fact, I always knew that it will snow!

For me, it is a kind of gift - special one.

Despite of being pretty cold and the slipping floor makes me almost miss one’s footing, I simply don’t care. I’m amazed.

It’s a marvellous grace.

not completely

In spite of being frustrated because I haven’t saw the lakes totally frozen (and still haven't ice skated on them, inclusively!), I’m quite satisfied. I have felt in these last days the nature power through its transformation of this season and its preparation for the next one.

It’s a magic process.

I’m sure that will be integrally done next time - not only about that... At last, it's something more complexed than the ducks habitat - unfortunately, did by halves yet.

Next cicle (time/round): I'm ready for it!

winter environment

- Look there! What are those black points on the water?

“Ducks!”, he answered me smiling… So I looked at them again, very impressed by their facility in stay at the same place, fluctuating, even with the gale which had wind-bounded us, letting everybody when in the wind‘s eyes almost without can walk many times during the better part of a day (and night).

Indeed, I could never imagine that I would find many animals so close where I’m living… I always thought that in Europe everything related to nature (the weather and its creatures inclusively!) were a little grey and dead… Well, I was completely wrong!

Everyday, when I go out home I see on the grassy spaces between the buildings in my neighbourhood some small groups of hares. Furthermore, uncountable species of ducks... green, black and white ones, besides other waterfowls - in most part of them, are adorning the cold landscape. 

In contrast of many cockroachs, rats, pigeons and bats that I was used to find near my house in Rio, here, in Amsterdam, I've seen flights of sea-gulls, storks, herons, gooses, and also flocks of tropical cocotas. Increadible! - I'm really surprised about that in particular due to the adverse weather... 

(*Ok, I know that there are many species of beautiful animals inhabiting Rio. However, in Laranjeiras is not common see crocodiles, fishs, many monkeys and birds! In different places, maybe you can meet them easily, but not there...)

as teddy-bears

Another type of animal we can meet often here, in the North Europe, is a kind of domestic bear. Actually, this low-temperature season usually results in people's behaviour changes (we practically became it!) - almost hibernating... sleeping and eating a lot (besides sometimes wearing heavy furry clothes). As the teddy ones, we rest on the bed most part of time (that we can!).

On the other hand, there is always someone 'bearlike', who is changed into a gruff person as a consequence of having its heart freezed - of course, this last one, isn’t my case INDEED.

keep walking

Each day having to choose a different way to go ahead, or turning corners… It’s delicious explore new streets, cross over bridges - be it walking, riding a bike, by tram or boat... whatever! Come what may, in any case, being in Amsterdam, is a terrific experience.

One thing that inspires me while living here (mainly due to the distance from the “suburb” to downtown - more than 5km!) is discover the city, every little detail of that.  I've walked astonished at the circumstances... as if I could find my happiness everywhere!

I'm sure I could indeed! It's only a mere matter of time...

free to go wherever I want

Here, I feel myself free to walk around without any fear - even at night, with a bicycle or any expensive stuff in my possession. Not even the freezing weather dishearten me to go far outside… For me, it’s some kind of ‘fable’ the fact that in Holland they use clogs (wood shoes, somewhat heavy), which could make things worse for them. They don't, though.         

freezing

De Niterói pro Rio, da Barra pra Zona Sul (ou vice-versa) - não importa qual seja o itinerário... Juro que eu não entendo a necessidade de um ônibus andar com a temperatura de seu interior congelante. Ambiente tipo frigorífico... sendo que os passageiros não são pinguins! É desconfortável, desnecessário.

Em dias de MUITO calor, até vai, mas quando o clima está fresquinho, não há necessidade. Na boa, é muita falta de noção dos motoristas. Parece que eles não sabem usar, não entendem o que o próprio nome do aparelho já diz: ar condicionado é para CONDICIONAR a temperatura de forma a deixá-la agradável.

Certo abuso inconsciente, numa necessidade de utilizar ao máximo um benefício. Fica a impressão de que extrapolam para compensar a falta do eletrodoméstico em suas casas... Maldade minha? Um pouco, confesso. Mas, sinceramente, é o que acabo por supor.

Impossível embarcar num desses veículos sem casaco (mesmo no verão). Quem dirige se movimenta, está perto do motor quente. Lá atrás, porém, as pessoas chegam a ficar encolhidas, no canto, sofrendo caladas, morrendo de frio. E o pior: elas não reclamam! Talvez porque suas ideias estejam congeladas... Ou lhes falte atitude (mas isso já é assunto para outro rugido desta mula).

o dia mais frio do ano

Não é hoje, quando o inverno inicia, mas um domingo estranho semanas atrás. Mais que a sensação térmica gélida causando desconforto, o que realmente (me) incomodou foi o sentimento certo na hora errada – algo assim.

Talvez a baixa temperatura tenha sido só um truque do clima para nos distanciar. É mais fácil colocar a “culpa” no tempo, e dele falar sempre que achar necessário mudar de assunto ou para lembrar o fim anunciado na ocasião. Será?

Nunca vou saber... Que o vento leve minha vontade para bem longe, aonde não possa mais me alcançar, pois sinto arrepios cada vez que me vem à mente o que poderia ter sido, como deveria ser agora se estivéssemos em outra estação; e ele, na minha.

Futuro, fatores externos independentes a nós... nada me importaria. Seria algo como "Quero que você me aqueça nesse inverno e que tudo mais vá pro inferno"! Agora, tanto faz. Sigo sem o calor daquele abraço apertado ou qualquer possibilidade palpável, esperando somente esquecer, e a primavera chegar, enfim.

asa

Pode até parecer piadinha pronta, zoando com o povo europeu sobre a falta de banho, mas é fato: eles fedem. E o pior é que acabaram se acostumando com esse cheio desagradável. Eca!

Em boate parisiense super descolada, da moda, o que mais bomba na pista, acreditem, é o “cc” alheio - encrostado naquelas axilas que não recebem um ventinho quase nunca. Primeiro achei que era paranóia, e, surpresa, cheguei a checar se vinha de mim aquele azedo, porque era muito forte e frequente. Não (alívio). Mas era demais, não parecia ser só de uma pessoa na volta... E provavelmente era de várias. Suspeitei de algumas MUITAS. NÃO foi implicância, e sim INSUPORTÁVEL (e dececionante, admito, ver tanta gente elegante, e interessante porca).

Como gaúcha que já viveu no frio, entendo o esquema de suar pela quantidade de roupa vestida, pela falta de respiração da pele etc. Sei que nem sempre podemos estar 100% cheirosos devido às circunstâncias desconfortáveis desse exagero todo no figurino, mas para sair à noite, tentar conhecer alguém legal, e até se sentir todo "tchan" é dose não achar necessário ter esse cuidado e higiene. Com todo aquele abrangente e moderno sistema de calefação não tem porque fugir do banho!

Por fim, não agüentamos o budum (aquele odor não se restringia somente a suor!). Nossa noite acabou mais cedo, e o medo da intimidade com franceses e seus vizinhos culturais só aumentou. A festa mesmo foi depois, em casa, debaixo do chuveiro, na banheira - com tudo o que tem direito! Fica a coragem, (e estômago) para a próxima, quem sabe...

libertos

O frio restringe o corpo, mas liberta os fantasmas da alma.

Há tempos não sentia o ar gélido soltar certa fumacinha da respiração pelos ares. Brincadeira de criança que vira rotina no inverno europeu.

Para onde irão? Que seja ao alto e adiante, como nossos sonhos - livres.

just a perfect day

No Rio é o seguinte: tem sol, dá praia! Não tem erro, tá calor. Mas nem sempre vivi essa realidade, bem pelo contrário... E já vi alguns conhecidos se darem mal seguindo essa regra 'carioca'. E até eu sofri por isso nesta minha visita ao sul.

Em Porto Alegre pode estar menos de 5º na rua e nenhuma nuvem no céu. Inclusive, os dias mais bonitos são justamente os frios. A luz fica maravilhosa para fotografar. Quem se aventura por esta arte, sabe.

Saudades da minha K1000 e da sensibilidade por ver entre suas lentes. Boas lembranças de um tempo de hobby caro, mas tão gostoso. Tenho comigo alguns produtos desses dias, de minha audácia, e até certo talento para a coisa. Vou até reve-los assim que possível!

Agora, do frio, só nostalgia mesmo. Prefiro hoje para viver a brisa do mar. Outra luz, imperfeita, forte, clara, mas que me faz feliz e me deixa douradinha o ano inteiro. De qualquer maneira, viva o sol! - seja onde e como for.

cobertor de orelha

O frio compromete a performance sexual dos casais. É inegável.

As posições ficam restritas ao limite das cobertas. O corpo esfria e a mão gelada inibe, atrapalha. O molhado congela.

Ela por cima, só se vestida. De quatro, com aquecedor. E tirar a roupa a zero graus? Até despir a última peça o tesão foi embora.

Só com muito cobertor de orelha mesmo, e amor. Bota amor nisso! Não sei como eu conseguia... sinceramente.

Hoje o grande e novo barato é suar (realmente, é bom suar!) .

efeito maguary

Estranhamente há uma imensa ligação entre as mulheres (que nem nós mesmas entendemos). Um elo. É uma força que nos junta, mas que ela mesma, com maior intensidade, pode nos separar também. Mal sabemos como usar tal dom.

Isso fica visível quando, por convivência, passamos a menstruar na mesma época, por exemplo. Ou, quando passamos pelas mesmas dificuldades e choramos juntas, compartilhando nossas dores e angústias. Acontece, e mais comumente do que se pode imaginar.

A realidade feminina é comum às mais diferentes mulheres. Entendemos perfeitamente umas as outras, compreendemos nossos momentos difíceis, sabemos dos conflitos alheios. Já passamos por isso, sofrendo e superando as mesmas questões.

Já estivemos nesse papel anteriormente. Os dramas vividos pelas mocinhas não mudam a cada novela. Eles se repetem. São cíclicos, assim como nós, que nos reinventamos em choradeiras conjuntas. Conseguimos nos contradizer a cada lágrima por quem não nos quer.

Bom de ser mulher é poder ser mulherzinha de vez em quando. Não sempre. Detesto choramingos e demonstrações de fraqueza recorrentes. Esse estado não cabe a mim, não há espaço para retrocessos e arrependimentos na solidão dos dias.

Infelizmente a época fria é propícia e estamos sob o efeito maguary, mas vai passar... logo, logo.