Back in early November, I posted about how I’d been struggling with the gentle shift of seasons in Barcelona. The yellow summer sunshine had deepened to a golden color to match the golden leaves; the wind had picked up a bit; and the temperatures were falling gradually.
Now, in mid-January, it’s full-on winter. The leaves from the tree outside my window are gone. The wind isn’t gentle any more; when it blows, it’s cold and harsh, leaving my lips permanently chapped no matter how much lip balm I use. There’s also been a spell of rainy weather, which isn’t doing much to warm me up either.
The white-grey skies are already darkening after I finish my lunch. If I nap, it’s completely dark when I wake up. If I stay awake and watch the twilight set in, everything turns a pretty lavender color that’s somehow different from other times of the year.
It’s surprising how much the whole city has changed colors, considering it’s not that cold. It hasn’t snowed this year (fingers crossed!), but somehow things are still much whiter and grayer, except on the occasional partly sunny day.
It’s fairly uncommon for it to properly snow here, but there were a few flakes last year. I remember literally standing in the middle of the street with my mouth open and camera out when I saw the snow falling on the way to work. An old lady saw me and said, “Cariño, if you want to see real snow, go up to Tibidabo!” I babbled back, “But it’s my first time living where snow is FALLING!” She just smiled and laughed nicely.
Even though experiencing seasons is kind of fun, I’m ready for it to be summer already. My little California bones are cold. I still haven’t quite gotten the hang of layering. I manage to mostly stay warm outside now, but I haven’t figured out how to do it and look stylish! Perhaps the solution is a heavier coat. That way, I wouldn’t have the “Oh this? I just threw it on. No, really – I just threw on every single clean sweater in my closet.” look.
Last year, February was the coldest month. I’m hoping this year is different. It’s already slightly warmer and sunnier than it was in December, so I’ve got my fingers crossed that it keeps it up. Come on, spring!
Besos!
-Jess
Then I think you should heed this advice: do not move to NYC haha. It’s been about 10 degrees yesterday and it snowed yesterday. Just a dusting and it’ll all melt today but still. This was one of the things I was dreading when I moved back. Here’s hoping I can figure out to move to CA or a place where it is sunny and warm most of the year!
Haha I think I will take your advice on that one! I’m such a baby about the cold, so I’ll be sticking to sunny places. Stay warm!
It’s funny!!! For me, Barcelona Winter is not even Winter… In Girona, it’s usually colder than in Barcelona, so for me it’s not bad here. But since you are used to Cali weather, it’s the other way around for you. I feel like this year it haven’t been that cold yet (except for a few days that yes, it was). And I’ve noticed that days are longer already!!! The other day it was after 6 p.m. and there was still some light!!! Don’t worry Jessica, Spring is just around the corner! 😀
I don’t remember that last year snowed… 🙁 It wasn’t much, was it? Maybe I missed it… I would have had the same reaction as you! hahaha
P.S.: I will write you an email so we can decide when to meet. 😀
Not to worry Barcelona is going to warm up next week and actually have higher temps then LA! So just make it through the weekend!
Ooh that’s welcome news! This morning is lovely and sunny, so fingers crossed it stays this way.
Haha I know, it’s not even really cold but I’m frozen! I’m just ‘muy friolera’. 🙂 It didn’t really snow last year, it was just some flakes in the morning one day. But it was quite exciting for me!
I’ll keep an eye on my e-mail. 😀
I, too, am really ready for winter to be done! I grew up in New York, so I’m used to the cold, but for some reason this year has felt especially dreary. I always found the winters harder in Barcelona because ironically it doesn’t get as cold — most people’s homes aren’t heated well enough. And things like tile floors are designed for hot weather, so they stay freezing. Anyway, layering, even when indoors, is the key!
Yes, the tile floors feel very cold. I don’t think the humidity helps either. Last year, I met a guy from the Netherlands who told me he actually felt colder in Barcelona because of how humid it was!
Actually, it’s the humidity that makes everything worse (in the summer, the steaming heat, in the winter, this chill cold)… As a local, I’ve only got some advice: stay in as much as you can and treat yourself to lots of hot chocolate and churros in Carrer Petritxol 😉
xx
Thanks! I’ll have to check that place out, I’ve never been there. 🙂 Luckily, it’s quite nice outside today.
Bright skies 😉 And yeah, you should definitely check any bar in carrer Petritxol… They’re great for chocolate y churros.
xx
It seems like everyone really is bemoaning about extreme cold this winter, and it is sounding more and more justifying as I hear everyone agreeing to it. Still, snow beautifies the surrounding just like you displayed here.
I think it’s cold, but I’m always freezing! Luckily, things have warmed up since then. 🙂