Winter is here, no doubt about it!

But, at least it’s sunny. For now. Undaunted (and lacking alternatives, since everything, including the gym, is closed on New Year’s Day in Warsaw) we suited up and went out. It’s all about the gear, you see. And layers. Several layers.

Strangely, last night, New Year’s Eve, most bars were closed. We know this because we walked half a mile in 10-degree weather before finding a rather tacky chain bar that would serve us a celebratory beer. Fortunately, we had reservations at a most excellent Indian restaurant for later. God bless immigrants, they can always be counted on to keep the lights on when the natives can’t be bothered!

We were home staying warm in front of the TV by the time the fireworks started. We’re close to downtown, so it was pretty noisy! Nothing like Vienna, but a respectable showing. Firecracker wrappers, champagne corks, and other evidence could be seen in the parks today.

Despite the freezing weather, lots of people were out walking in Ujazdowskie and Lazienka parks. I admire this about northern Europeans. They don’t like the cold any more than anyone else does, but they bundle up and deal. Even tiny babies are taken outside for fresh air. Got to get that vitamin D! And the exercise doesn’t hurt, either.

Winter is not going to keep me inside, that’s for sure. Now, to order a couple more pairs of Smart Wool socks and some earmuffs…