Would you still go outside knowing that negative 4 degrees celsius is waiting to freeze your bones? Would you dare take off your coat for that perfect Eiffel tower photograph?

Surviving Sweater Weather

Layering can be messy and a headache if your wardrobe is not prepared for the cold weather. It is one of the golden rules of travelling I think, to check the weather and gather your appropriate clothes. Ive been living in the tropics for almost 25 years and I have never been in a cold weather simulator so packing for Europe on a December gave me a hard time. I do not want you to have the same fate tropic-mates so let me just share the essentials that can help you fight the cold and enjoy outdoors. For reference, I’ve spent two weeks in Europe (Italy and Paris, France only)

• 2 pairs of thermals (underwear/base and socks)
• 3 wool sweaters (very effective in retaining the heat)
• 4 long-sleeves/cardigans (for layering)
• 3 coats (black, brown, or anything not flashy)
• a heavy-duty rainproof windproof jacket (when it comes to worse)
• a pair of gloves and a scarf (great great great help)
• 2 pairs of comfortable boots (waterproof shoes are the best, cold feet are the worst)
• 3 pairs of pants

For a two week trip, I have mixed and matched clothing and I used the wool sweaters most of the time. Also, 9 out of 10 of my photos, Im wearing a coat so if some additional coats wont hurt your back then bring them. It is not wise to overpack when it is winter because I promise you, you cant use everything. Did I overpack? Yes! Some of our apartments have a washing machine so there is really no problem on scarcity 😀

Surviving Europe

Less expenses, more fun

• Generally, prices are higher (approx 3x) compared to Philippine Peso. (Accept that fact and do not linger on the thought)
• Bring your bottled water anytime. (Purified water is expensive not just in Italy/France I think, but all over Europe. Tap water is drinkable.)
• Avoid using public toilet, Water Closet (WC) as Europeans call it, it is as expensive as six Cornetto ice creams (Saan aabot ang bente pesos mo?)
• If you have a strong pocket grip, always make sure to balance your income and expenses every night.
• For expensive items, always check for a possible VAT refund.
• Pizza is life (in Italy), 6 euros for a whole Pizza is a pocket heaven already.

Moving places

• Ask the right people ( Asking questions can be troublesome in Europe. Strong culture I sense in Yourope.)
• Download an offline map (Yesssssss!!! The best!!!) and bring a powerbank to keep the map going.
• Walk, walk, walk (unlike in the tropics, walking in Europe is “no sweat”)
• There are buses that require tickets from ticket kiosks.
• Be confident and independent. You are far from home.

Funny yet “insightful” encounters

• Packed ground coffee doesn’t have milk even if it says latte or bianca 😀
• Do not interpret the words based on your vocabulary especially when dealing with liquid detergent 😀
• Do not say grazie when you are not in Italy 😀
• Respect when someone says “Libre Kanin” 😀
• There are times when adapted dishes > original (Ehem, lasagna) 😀
• Challenge yourself by ordering unknown dishes 😀

I’ve got a loooong list of tips and tricks, let me update this from time to time. Grazie! HAHAHA

Be happy!