Does sleeping in on a bright, hot and humid summer weekend sound inviting? Nope. But, sleeping in on a cold, grey winter morning with a book nearby? Oh, yeah! Enough said.
Are you a winter hater or lover? No matter which side of the coin your opinion falls, this season has so much to offer.
These are the reasons why you should love winter:
• Being able to see the sun rise. A few weeks ago the only people who saw the sun rise were bakers, night workers and the chronically sleep deprived. In the dead of winter most people should be awake by the time the sun rises. This gorgeous explosion of reds, pinks and yellows will leave you in awe of our beautiful planet.
• Carbs are back in season! Why do we eat more in winter? Our bodies need more energy to keep us warm, therefore increasing our appetites. Everyone’s in layers and bundled up so you can’t see your minor imperfections. This is why winter is so great – you can enjoy comfort food and because of all the layers, you don’t have to worry about that muffin top… yet!
• The ultimate excuse to be a homebody. This is the time of year where you can use the weather as an excuse to get out of just about anything. Does “I don’t think I can make it, I think I might be coming down with something” sound familiar? Have a pyjama-day, read and stay under the covers. You are at home because it’s comfortable and pleasant, and it makes you happy. Is there anything wrong with that?
• Shopping. It’s easy feeling guilty about spending too much time indoors during summertime. But when it’s icy outside, there’s no better excuse to spend a few hours of retail therapy. While you’re looking for that perfect pair of shoes, you’re also getting some exercise. It’s a win win!
• Curl up in front of the fireplace. Could anyone possibly deny winter as the best season for cuddling?
• Hot chocolate! Yes, warm beverages are perfect for winter. Meet at your favourite coffee spot. Enjoy!
• Spa treatments. It is possible that pedicures and shaving may take a bit of a break since it’s not shorts-and-sandals weather. Winter is the best time to plan a spa stay and enjoy a little TLC when your body is likely feeling a little frazzled and neglected.
• Game viewing. Plan a weekend getaway to the bush. There is no tall grass for the animals to hide in, and they tend to congregate more around the waterholes, which makes spotting them in winter a breeze.
• Whale watching. July to October happens to be the best time to spot whales when mammals come to the South African coast line to mate and calve. The Hermanus coast is considered the best in the world for whale watching.
• Hiking. Wait for clear skies after a cold front and then head in the direction where you could expect to find snow. When the mountain peaks become sprinkled with soft white snow, plan a trip to see it. Try the Snow Report SA Facebook page for up to date information. Favourites are Perdekop in Franschoek, Matroosberg in Ceres and the Drakensberg Mountains.
• Namaqualand flower route. July and August are the best times to see the famous fields of wild flowers.
• Shark cage diving season. Winter is the season for shark cage diving in Gansbaai. Great white sharks are much more active in winter when the water is warmer. Visibility is better as the storms have blown away the plankton-rich-surface; meaning you will have more success spotting them.
• Adrenaline rush. Those into adventure sports will agree that most of these activities are better in winter. Surfing is better in Cape Town and Durban when the waves are bigger and the water is warmer, paragliding and abseiling are fantastic when the air is crisp and the winds are calmer. Believe it or not, white water rafting is better in the cooler months when the rivers are fuller in the Western Cape.
Embrace the change of season as the chill in the air turns into biting cold. Be open and accepting – cold weather brings people together as we yearn for warmth, love and connection. Have a happy winter!
Source: www.pinkofperfection.com, www.theguardian.com, www.mnn.com, www.travelground.com, wanderlust.com, blog.flightsite.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
