This post is my bitch'n block post. Well, I can honestly say that I have appreciated and learned from every trip. As I wrote elsewhere, it’s almost impossible to pick my top 10 because everything has been quite impressive. It’s easier to the least enjoyed places, but that’s for another blog post.
There have been a few places that have not or, let’s say, could’ve been better. It didn’t take me long to realize that the weather, particularly cold, significantly impacted my experience. I get that some people love the cozy vibes of winter travel, but it’s all discomfort and inconvenience for me.
Having grown up in a country known for rather cold winters, you might think that I would be accustomed to it, but let me tell you, I am not. I’ve never understood the appeal of travelling in cold weather. Sure, snow-covered streets look magical in photos, but the reality? It’s miserable. The icy wind slaps me in the face the moment I step outside, and I instantly regret every life choice that brought me to this frozen wasteland. My hands are too numb to use my phone, my nose feels like it might snap off, and no amount of layering seems to make me comfortable.
One of the best examples is Vienna. My first time there was over New Year’s. The city was based on beautiful lights and sparkling snow. I found the city a disappointment, considering what everyone told me. Let’s not overlook the sheer betrayal of trying to enjoy a hot drink outside in winter. There I am, clutching my overpriced cup of gluhwein in the market, hoping for a moment of warmth, only to realize my fingers are so frozen I can’t even feel the cup. By the time I take a sip, it’s already lukewarm, and the only thing heating me up is my frustration.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to return a few more times, and it was indeed a fantastic city then. It was where the West and East met, as well as their cultures and styles.
I got a great deal to go and see Iceland in March. It might’ve swell of been the beginning of January. Packing for cold weather was its own nightmare. Winter clothes take up so much room. I was forced to drag around a suitcase bursting with coats, scarves, and boots, and I still ended up freezing due to the winds. It was so cold.
Iceland is one of those remarkable places worth visiting, and I hope to return when the weather is much better. Whenever I wanted to take a picture with my iPhone, I would have to take my glove off, and I felt like frostbite would get me in seconds. And then I put my glove back on and ran back to the bus.
Malta would’ve been great, but we went over Christmas. That means a lot of places are closed, but at least it wasn’t crowded. The problem was again. We had horrible weather. It snowed. Yes, it snowed. Perhaps it did down the ground very long, but it did snow. Residents told us it was the first time that it had snowed in living memory.
Let’s talk about heat and humidity for a moment. We spent a week in Bangkok when the weather was supposed to be the best time of year. The heat and humidity almost killed us. Fortunately, I had rented a driver for the days, which helped immensely, but it still meant going out on our own was a challenge. There is so much we can do and joy in Bangkok.
I don’t mind rain when I travel as long as it’s not every single day. It was drizzling when we went to see it, and it fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the place. It also meant it wasn’t as crowded.
I knew London quite well before we went there for Christmas, only to experience rain for three days. Not the best trip at that time.
