Cold gentle breeze of winter

You won’t be surprised nowadays when you’re surrounded by people who are sneezing and coughing. That’s because the weather in the Kingdom of the Sands is changing. The cold gentle breeze signifies that it’s winter time already. Yes, we do have our share of winter here also. However, we don’t get to have the snow falls. Nevertheless, it’s a big change from the conviction oven temperature that we have to endure for 6-8 months a year.


Wardrobe Change
When I first arrived here at the Kingdom of the Sands, I wasn’t aware that there’s winter in this part of the world. The agency that deployed us never even mentioned that to us. I was only wearing a t-shirt at that time so I trembled when I came out of that airport. Times are tough then because I am still converting every Riyal I spent here to the Philippine peso. An inexpensive sweater or jacket could still amount to something that I wouldn’t dare to buy. So, I decided that I’ll wait until the winter ends but I got sick in return. A colleague of mine bought me a very chic looking cardigan which I still have to this day. I can’t dispose it no matter how I tried. It’s a remembrance from somebody who went out of his way to buy it for me.

Whether we like it or not, we really have to change our wardrobe for the duration of the winter. We have to do away with our light shirts that we use to wear during summer time. The good thing being here in the Kingdom of the Sands is that we can wear light jackets. We won’t be constrained in wearing big and outrageous winter outfits that they (people) wear in the West. So, figure conscious people can still flaunt their sexy bodies in light jackets.

Amongst the winter gear that I hate to wear is the bonnet. I hate it because it destroys my hair. Yes, I’m kind of vain when it comes to hair. So, I’d rather suffer from hypothermia than damage my hairstyle.

Christmas
Winter could also mean Christmas. I used to be touchy and sentimental during Christmas but I’ve gotten over that. I’m too old for melodramas. It’s just unfortunate that I am not with my family during Christmas but that’s that. Besides, if I’m there and not here, who would send money for their merriment? Calling your family during the day and greeting on the joyous occasion is enough to compensate of your absence. Besides, if I’m not with my family during the holidays, I’m with my friends. Friends for me are precious because they know you, they care for you and you are with them most of the year. In one way or the other, our friends are our family away from home.

So what’s the big fuzz with this cold winter wind? It’s the change. It’s a welcome change because of the hot weather that we have to endure all throughout the year. It also bring smiles to people’s faces.