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| The headline from the Daily Express, a UK tabloid newspaper |
It's that time of year again; the forecasts of snow appearing with dramatic headlines foretelling of doom and gloom, big freezes, records broken, because of a few inches of snow, not likely to last more than a few weeks.
I saw the headline in the screen capture above on Facebook, posted by one of my friends and former colleagues who I worked with on a large Facilities Management (FM) contract across the UK. His comment, reflecting that the extreme weather made the work as an FM manager especially interesting, made me smile. I shared the headline, mindful of my friends and family in the UK who would be subject to this weather if it did indeed come about.
But increasingly I feel it's harder to relate to the drama created by these headlines, viewing the UK with more continental eyes as my time here in Norway increases. Having been here for almost two years now, I have 'survived' two winters, and while I don't especially look forward to 5 months of snow in one stretch, I appreciate how Norway mostly treats snow with what at worst could be described as an acceptance, or even, a stiff upper lip. Where's the stiff upper lip that the UK, or perhaps more precisely, England, is famed for?
With the saying the Norwegians are born with skis on their legs, I am hoping that my acceptance might, this year, morph into something warmer in feeling, as I hope to learn to cross country ski and, not being disabled by Morton's Neuroma this year, being able to physically get out and about more. I have taken with ease to the art of "kos oss", enjoying the cosiness of reading, candles, rugs and gløgg. Maybe I might gravitate to actually feeling a warmish love for the snow?
As I bridge that nomansland and slowly migrate my outlook to become more Norwegian in style, I wonder what the outlook for the UK will be in the months to come. Hibernation perhaps, or examples of people skiing to work as I saw in the Peak District in the snow of December 2010? I wonder if the snow might once again bond people, with the novelty and break in routine it creates. Solidarity in joy, being outside with their neighbours, unrecognised often, but suddenly acquainted. In Norway the snow can bring relief to the darkness: a removal of the grey, overcast skies, children playing outside in the soft, silver glow in the evenings. I understand that, because of the infrequency and general unpredictability of the weather, it doesn't make sense for the UK to invest so heavily in a more effective response to snow. But nevertheless, the weather is a great bond, whether in England or Norway.
The Daily Express is fixated with extreme weather headlines. Not the first time. Weather professionals are saying it's rubbish. The UK has unpredictable weather because it sits at the meeting place for five different air masses, any one of which can dominate at any given time, hence the unpredictability of the weather. People moan how a light covering of snow disrupts travel but forget that it's often wet snow that compacts to ice quickly, unlike the dry snow on the continent. Personally, I enjoy changeable weather and I'm happy whatever Mother Nature brings :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting point, Robin, about the wet snow. One of the advantages of living in a colder place is that there is less humidity after a certain point, making it easier to live with. We do have wet snow here, when it is warmer than around -5 C, and I have experienced the same slip sliding away feelings that the lack of actual snow, but instead black ice, causes in the UK. Not fun.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a side point, last winter was almost incredible to me with having such a stable weather system. I missed the rain most of all!
We did have some hefty snow falls last winter. South and west Cumbria had around 6ft and higher drifting. It lasted some time. It did bring the people together though as they tried to get to the more remote homes and farms. Where i am near Rochdale we also had some unusually deep snow especially on the higher ground. It was mainly wind blown drifts but it was good fun.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Helen we English just like a good moan and any excuse will do. Good to read you are enjoying Norway. My few backpacking experiences there will stay with me forever as magical moments.
Thanks for your comment Alan; it's food for thought. You make a good point about drifting snow too. I remember when I lived in Hertfordshire in the early 2000's when one year we had snow. It took hours to drive home, although I actually had to abandon my car and walk over the fields to get to my house. Luckily I had my walking boots, long gaiters and my walking poles, so it made it quite an adventure!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Norway - whereabouts did you go?
I did a trip to go up the 3 highest peaks in Norway. And a second time we walked for 17 stunning days in the Jotunheim just through hiking. The Bessegan ridge walk to Olavsbu was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWinter will surely bring more of that lovely "koseligness" and plenty of activity options like snowball duels with the girlfriend :). I hope to see you skiing too, I think you´ll like it a lot.
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