Can You Imagine Being Cold in the Tropics? It’s Possible

It has finally happened. I live in the Caribbean, in Belize—it’s wintertime—and I’m cold. Yeah, yeah, I know, those of you in North America are probably giving me some kind of hand gesture and saying, “What?! It’s below freezing here, so I’ll take 73 degrees in January, day or night.”

After living in Belize (Placencia) for over three years, the winter really is the winter. It’s true what they say about your blood thinning out when you move from a cold climate to a warm one, making 70 degrees feel like 50. Having moved here sight unseen, I didn’t bring with me, originally, much in the way of “winter” clothing. Now, I have to amass more long pants and sleeves. On my most recent visit to the States (last summer), I brought back more jeans and pants, but failed to get jackets and long-sleeved tops. If you come for a visit, bring me “winter” clothes, short of cashmere sweaters or puffer jackets.

Good thing we actually brought a comforter with us; since I’ve used it more often than not since about early November. Though, I remember the days when my blood wasn’t quite on the thin side yet, when even a single sheet was too warm in the winter. Now, sometimes both the comforter and sheet aren’t enough! Good thing I don’t sleep on the beach—the well-known Caribbean breeze makes it even cooler.

Except for my sweetheart, who I live with, I know I’m not crazy. Many locals also say they are cold—those who were born and raised here or who have lived here many more years than my short three. Right now I’m barefoot, but my feet are actually cold to the touch, sitting here inside, though it is sunny outside. I need to put on socks! It is a perfect day for a “brisk” walk. Ha ha. It almost sounds like I’m talking about my hometown of Seattle. Oh, but I’m not.

So here’s my advice. If you are lucky enough to move to Belize full time, don’t throw way, store, or give away ALL your “winter” apparel. Trust me, it will come in handy if you’re anything like me. Like I said, I’m not crazy, just cold. Old Man Winter does visit Belize during this time of year—Belize it or not.

Hear me out. I’m not complaining (but I’m secretly enjoying this). I will take 73 degrees over anything less. I just want to share with you that the change in lifestyle is not the only thing I’ve adjusted to in the last three years, but also realizing how strange it is to be cold in 70-degree weather, which is normally shorts and sandals time in Seattle. Needless to say; me visiting the Pacific Northwest in the winter is not an option. I believe I would literally freeze. Yes, really.