It’s mid-February now, and even though winter is far from being over, the days are slowly getting longer. Just a month ago, it was pitch dark by the time I left work, at 5 pm. Now, I can actually watch the sunset in the bus (provided I don’t miss it…).

I could say the worst part of the winter is behind us but I don’t want to jinx it. We haven’t had much snow this year but for a couple of snowstorms back in December. But it could very well snow until March/ April and temperatures are still well below zero, averaging -15C.

Most immigrants think their first winter in Canada is the hardest because they are not used to it. But I disagree. Sure, there is the initial “fucking cold, eh” factor. But for most, the first winter is quite fun because snowstorms, blizzards, ice rain and all the weird “only in Canada” weather phenomenons are actually exciting to experience. The second winter is even better, because by then, you are actually able to deal with more extreme weather conditions and appreciate all the perks of the winter.

After that, it pretty much goes downhill. You know how long winter will be. You know that the first snow is beautiful, but that the five centimeters that fell on your grass one morning in November won’t melt till May. You know that days will be short, that starting the car in the morning will take ages and that you will wear layers and layers of clothes for the next few months. Mentally, it’s hard. The Canadian winter gets to you after a while.

The East Block of the Parliament

The Parliament Library	Side Parliament Entrance
War Memorial	Château Laurier
Night Traffic	Old Train Station

The Canal and Downtown

Snowy Bench and Crane	Business District
Job Half Done	Construction

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