SEASONS

21 March 2021 | It’s been really interesting living in Singapore for a full year (without leaving) and actually realizing that they do, in fact, have seasons. Granted they are not like the extremities of NYC (and other parts of the world) but they do have them. They are ever so slight where in December and January it gets a little cooler and a little rainier. And there’s February and March when it starts to get much, much warmer. Even the trees shed a bunch of leaves in February (after the cooler weather).

Mind you, it wouldn’t be noticeable to most people who didn’t live here. We’re talking a change in temperature of between 3° and 5° celsius. But it’s enough to notice the difference if you do live here.

What’s also strange and interesting is that the plants and trees, while always green, seem to go through their own cycles of shedding leaves and growing flowers.

And I never quite understood why people walked around in long sleeve shirts and jackets at different times but their concept of cool and hot are just different. Different from the extremes of NYC and other places in the world. And frankly, most locals don’t spend a lot of time outside during any season. They go from outside to inside as quickly as possible.

And here’s the catcher on seasons... not only do I get it but I’ve actually found myself getting a tiny bit ‘cold’ at different points. And after spending so much time in a tropical environment that is only a few degrees north of the equator, I’m sure it’s going to be an adjustment to get used to seasons (and cold) again. But I’ll welcome it because I really do miss the more extreme seasonal changes that I’ve experienced most of my life.