(nonsense)(life in Ukraine) The clothing shops are filled. Any shop that sells ‘

(nonsense)(life in Ukraine)

The clothing shops are filled. Any shop that sells ‘winter’ rather than ‘late autumn’ coats (anything but parkas), is loaded with people trying to combat the early winter.

In Ukraine, we wear serious winter coats. As in the upper-peninsula of Michigan kind of serious winter coats. I have made it through two winters without one. Instead, for the past couple of years I wore layers. I have this wonderful wool coat by Pierre Cardin, and one very similar by Roy Robson, and and brown and black insulated leather jackets. But last winter, in when it got seriously cold here, I had to bundle up inside my extra-large RLX ski- hoodie (it’s luxurious really), and a northwest wind barrier over it, with more layers underneath. And I still froze just going out for milk.

So this year I just bought an extra-large winter parka by Oodji (French)that fits over my black leather jacket, which fits over a shirt and heavy sweater. And that combination is awesome. It’s like an oven. Although, around here you do need either winter pants or long-johns. And I don’t have either that, or a good pair of winter boots (which I also did without last year).

Last year, I promised myself I would not spend another deep winter in Kiev. But no matter where I spend the winter, at least i’ll be warm. 😉

And it’s damned cold here today.