The question

Let me just start by saying that this question is now asked on a daily basis.  What question would that be you wonder? No it has nothing to do with my work here or questions I ask the people I meet, but it does have to deal with living here and some days you just have to laugh.  The question is:

How many layers do I need to wear today?

Now this is a complicated question and I find myself now spending minutes pondering the answer.  A few friends came to visit last week and we had a whole discussion on this topic.  We all agreed that getting dressed in the morning takes longer and that preparing to leave your house takes an extra ten or more minutes and that when you are visiting other people they all stand around as you awkwardly layer up in their doorway. Nothing is fast.

Deciding how many layers all depends on the temperature.  If it is hover around freezing or even a few degrees below you can get away with no layers under your jeans or just leggings, but if it gets any colder then -10C you need thermals.  Now I have learned that not all thermals are the same. Some are better then others and give more warmth or let your legs breath more, some make you feel as cold as if you weren't wearing any. Layering on top can range anywhere from 2-3 layers to wearing a fleece jacket overtop of your sweater and under your parka.  The hat, scarf and gloves are always a must.  When the temperature gets into the -20'sC and lower, pretty much the only skin showing is my eyes (partially because my face starts to go numb and because breathing hurts and it is easier to breath if I breath into my scarf and the rebreathe warmer air. I was told in the cold that I should start breathing through my nose.).  The question of how much do I layer is also influenced by the activity.  If you I am just going to the store or to someones house and won't be out walking around I can get away with less layers.  The whole process of layering and figuring out what to wear is a process.  By the time I am walking out of my door I look Randy form 'A Christmas Story', although I can put my arms down.

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into living in Russia during the winter.  These are the things that I never thought I would have to think about, or thinking that temperatures ranging from 25-32 degrees Fahrenheit would be considered warm in the winter.