As you plan to travel abroad. It is ideal to begin to plan life in the Diaspora. There is a huge difference between your home country and your destination country. Therefore expect culture shock 100 percent. One challenge you will encounter in the early phase is erratic weather conditions. And that’s a frightening culture shock.
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So, today, let's look at what the weather abroad looks like.
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Whether your destination continent is Europe or North America, do not ignore the weather forecast. Some people pay less attention to the weather report while some change the TV channel as the meteorologist reads the weather report for the day and week.
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It's Either,
"Oh God, these people, and their weather report again."
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Or
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"Oh no, these metrological reporters and this forecast that changes sometimes.
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At this moment, you flip the channel to watch Chelsea versus Arsenal or Keeping up with the Kardashians. After all, what's my business with the weather, you'd say. Well, it's a big deal if you live abroad in the aforementioned places.
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The minute you step aboard your flight, begin to pick interest in the weather forecast. Begin to learn some basic things like Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion, weather temperatures, and degrees. It is pertinent that you check the weather report before you leave home in the morning.
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Do you know there's a difference between what the external temperature report shows and what you actually feel?
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You can get all this information through the daily weather report. Gone are those days, you just look up at the sky and conveniently convince yourself about the climate condition. And assume it's going to rain before you arrive at the CMS bus stop located on Lagos Island, Nigeria.
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You feel you can read the face of the sky to know if you can quickly rush to the Amala joint down your neighbourhood. Or quickly dash to the Agboju market in Festac town to buy bottled ground nuts and ingredients for Egusi soup.
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Being conversant with the weather pattern will save you a lot of embarrassing experiences. In fact, it will prevent you from freezing or exposure to extreme cold, which is injurious to your health.
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Imagine going out with just a Sweater in the morning only to experience snow at midday. Be aware that just before any snowfall, the temperature becomes frigid and cold. You will feel the cold in your bones if you are not properly covered.
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At this time, the weather feels like an open fridge, and the new traveler will curse why they ventured out of their homeland. Oh yes, there are days you clench your teeth and ask yourself "who send me this abroad sef".
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Due to unexpected and unplanned weather, life is generally oppressive during the cold season. Driving is challenging in the winter as roads can be covered in thick blankets of snow.
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Snow and ice can absolutely wreak havoc in different ways. And during severe blizzards, cancellations of activities are normal, and staying indoors becomes the best safety measure. Other times the day breaks into a monster with its grey, creepy and foggy posture.
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As winter cold bites harder, and as you continue to dress scantily, frostbite will reset your destiny for not going out with a hand glove. Well, this happens when you go out without adhering to the weather report.
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In essence, the weather is one of the culture shocks you'd experience in varying degrees. But as you settle down in your new abode, you will prepare yourself for the different seasons.
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Every season requires a different line of clothing. You will learn all these upon arrival to your destination country.
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During winter which is the toughest season, you will be taking a risk if you do not shop for winter woollies to keep you warm.
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Winter survival essentials include well-insulated jackets, sweaters, hats, Beanies (I love Beanies), gloves, scarves, boots, and perhaps even thermal underwear. These items are all fair play to curb the intense cold. And they are all necessities in wintertime.
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Nobody will tell you to get ready for the next season. You will buy your jacket and gloves for wintertime and wear flimsy, light apparel during the summer months.
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A good way to know if you are properly dressed for the day is to observe what the Oyibos are wearing early in the morning as they set out for the day.
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The average Oyibo person is conversant with the daily weather report. Besides, it's their homeland. They are already accustomed to erratic climate changes. So. they dress accordingly.
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As a JJC, you will need some time to get used to the prevalent weather conditions of your city of residence. You will get used to it and when you shop for the right clothing, you save yourself from falling sick. Don't bother imagining how it feels now. Experience will teach you about these things when you arrive.
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The abroad cold is indescribable. It is nothing you've seen or felt.
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The abroad cold (winter), is not the mild cold you feel in Lagos and Abuja and you begin to shiver and quiver.
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It's not the Harmattan cold that is very junior to the winter temperatures, yet, you scream down the rooftops and paint social media with your blogs about the harmattan cold.
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Aw. Winter cold is extreme to put it succinctly.
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Read about the weather even before you travel because it influences your dress code during your trip. Especially for the first-time traveler during the winter season.
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In the winter season, there is nothing worse than showing up at your destination to find out the weather is dangerously frigid.
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Before leaving your country, research to know the weather situation of your proposed country and destination. You need to learn about the weather patterns amidst other things.
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It is true that countries in Europe and North America generally have four seasons every year - Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn/Fall.
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However, these manifest in different ways even within certain countries. In the United States, for example, Florida and Hawaii are generally warmer all year round than states like Alaska or North Dakota.
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For those going to larger countries like America, Canada, Russia, etc, you need to get prepared to adhere religiously to this information.
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Smaller countries are less complex in terms of their weather patterns than larger ones. All the same, conduct your research before you arrive in your new country.
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However, the level of your culture shock depends largely on your cultural exposure, travel history, adaptability, prejudices, expectations religious affiliation, and adjustment capacity.
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Depending on the time of the year you are traveling, dress according to the season. Every season has its dress code.
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PS: This is the Autumn/Fall season. However, the photo depicts the face of snow in the wintertime. Biko, look at the snow pictures and keep calm. This will be the face of the weather from November to February, depending on your location abroad. ���
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Remember, Your Travel Awareness Starts Here.