I had always said that I prefer Winter rather than Summer hands down. It has always felt great to curl up on the sofa with a hot mug and a great book, to be able to just snuggle further into the cocoon of warmth and listen to the rain fall gently against the window.

But that all changed when I went to China for Winter. I actually experienced what a REAL Winter is supposed to feel like, with ice and snow and below zero temperatures. I experienced my fingers and toes freeze to numbness for the first time, my cheeks and ears burn from the slightest movement, the constant thought of “I hope my contacts don’t freeze on my eye”, and I even had the cautious steps of someone who had slipped on ice-coated foot paths one too many times.

Even the idea of snow, which was once an exciting thought, has been tarnished. Instead I worried that the snow meant more washing for me to do,  that I have to be more cautious on the wet roads, and I hoped snow wouldn’t land on my hair because I just washed it. Snow is just solid rain, it’s not something you want to have a taste of (especially in a city like Beijing).

And most importantly, the whole reason for this post is to rant about the aches and pains of being sick whenever Winter comes around.

• The irritated throat
• Dry coughs
• Running nose
• Body aches
• Peeling nose
• Sneezes
• Phlegm
• Congested nose
• Interrupted sleep
• Fever
• Mouth breathing

I suppose the overall feeling of just wanting to stay in bed and wish the world away is the best description. The lack of taste, loss of hearing, incapable to breathe through my nose and a significant drop in energy makes it a lot worse to be sick. But we can only troop through these symptoms as it just means I’m one step closer to recovery and full health!

PS. Next time I’m going to be prepared for this and OD on Vit C!!