New York Daily Photo Analytics

Monday, December 07, 2009

Babies


I once asked a friend living in California, transplanted from upstate New York and who had traveled extensively, whether he found that the perception of weather was a relative thing - i.e. did Californians appreciate their mild weather, or did they adjust and reset their thermostats? He answered that it was absolutely relative. He found that those living in California for some time became babies in regards to weather - a slight chill was as daunting to them as a cold Arctic blast was to us in the Northeast.

I have long claimed that one of the things I like about living in New York City is that the winter does not affect our lifestyles as greatly as it does our suburban and country brethren. That philosophy was tested this weekend when winter finally hit. Until then, New York City has not yet felt the slap of winter's hand.

I confess that I had become quite accustomed to our pleasantly warm and very tolerable autumn. I was a bit of a baby this weekend, not wanting to go outside anymore than someone living in Maine.  Perhaps less so, because those environments do not tolerate babies.

Peering out my window, it is bleak, dreary, windy and cold. People are wearing down coats, hoods, gloves and scarves. There is no stroll or whimsy in their gait but rather a sense of purpose and direction. In fact, because New York is such a walking environment, something I have long championed and loved, it makes it all the more difficult to brave and acclimate to the onset of winter. Nearly everyone here does substantial walking, even in the winter season - I walk nearly one mile to work daily, irrespective of the season or weather. Even those taking the subways daily must walk both to and from the stations to their destination. There are no autos to shield the wind, garage door openers, or heated seats.

Winter has not officially started yet, and I certainly cannot stay indoors until the start of spring. I don't want to be slapped going outside - I prefer the caress of blankets, the sizzle of steam, and the cozy atmosphere of home. But I have some work to do. I need to go out there and demonstrate how this city is just as robust, dynamic, and fun to explore in the winter as any other time. And, it wouldn't hurt to stop being a baby :)

9 comments:

Fashion Schlub said...

great shot - were you in the tree?? I def think temp perception is relative. my southern california relatives break out the parkas when it goes to the low 60s. I break out the shorts!

Brian Dubé said...

missb -
Thanks - Are you kidding? Your baby photographer was in his cozy warm apartment - it was shot through a closed window.

An Honest Man said...

Hibernation has a lot to recommend it - especially as one gets older. I begin to feel like 'michelan man' when I get wrapped up for the cold.

ChickenUnderwear said...

yea, A lot of my family moved to South Florida because the weather is better than Brooklyn. To bad they are never out in it. Their world now revolves around their car.

Andrea said...

Cute shot and great story to go with it!

Thérèse said...

Rain and cold came yesterday to Az and we love it but we know it's never for long.
Seasons should be a must all over the world.

Mirela said...

That's one helluva shot from the closed window... I have no idea how you got rid of the usual reflection. Nice!

Yup, the weather/temperature perception is a very relative thing. In Croatia you can immediately spot the tourists from the north of Europe - we're in jackets and boots and they're in their swimsuits swimming in the sea. :) I'm one really big baby when it comes to sea/lake/river temperatures, it has to be above 23C (73F) or I'm not going in!

Anonymous said...

We moved from LA to Chicago in June.
The mild southern California weather infects everything.
Babiness reigns.
We had our first snow the other day. Couldn't wait to go out and walk in it.
We stood out in the crowd.
We seemed to be the only two wearing our brand new REI parkas in a sea of ungloved, non-hatted, light-wool coated natives.
These babies are just learning to crawl, but we may be walking by next season.

herbert said...

Funny story and great picture!
Same here in Amsterdam: when temperatures drop under 10 celsius the tourists from Spain and Italy start wearing gloves and hats and complain about our climate, even when the sky is clear...