The Russian Winter

Infamous. Picturesque. Impossible. Russia is without a doubt most known for its terrible winters (though I imagine a solid proportion of Americans would be surprised to know that much of Russia has green grass for most of the year).

I still remember a conversation class here in October about the climate.
Russian teacher: "(in Russian) What do you think of the climate in Petersburg?"
Me: "Um, климат холодный?" ("Um, it's cold?")
Teacher: "(in Russian) No, no. Not a cold climate. What else?"
Me: "(in Russian) Wet, windy... what do you mean this isn't a cold climate?!"
Apparently the Gulf of Finland 'warms' Petersburg. I understand it is not a cold climate on a relative-to-Russia basis, but I find it EXTREMELY cold on a relative-to-Florida basis, and I could use some understanding. (Just kidding, our conversation teacher is a sweetheart!)

Anyway it has officially been winter for 17 days, and I can say I have survived it quite well thus far!
1. Layers
I have been wearing leggings since mid-October. I started wearing two pairs of leggings two weeks ago when the temperature got into the negative double digits. As I put it to friends one morning waiting for the bus, a warm Emily is a nice Emily. Additionally I got a warm floppy beanie, wear Estonian mittens over leather gloves, and my scarf weighs about a pound.
2. Снег (you guys remember this word? snow!)
About three weeks ago it snowed so much I had trouble getting the door to the outside open - definitely a first for me. It snowed nonstop for a week- not exaggerating! I have walked to school three times in a blizzard, watched my boot disappear several times in snow softer than it appeared, and slipped and fell once (and almost a million times) on the icy sidewalk. The rivers are frozen and they have snow piled up on top of the ice, which is neat. Did you know when it is cold enough snowflakes actually crystallize into those unique little shapes I thought Hallmark made up? Because they do!
3. Icicles (of Death)

I can't decide whether it is better to look up (and look out) or to just stay on the edge of the sidewalk and walk fast. There are pretty much on every other building, which is scary. Some are probably two or three feet long and thick - but under the biggest, sharpest ones they usually block off the sidewalk, so don't worry! Anyway it has added a sense of adventure and thrill to my usual walks around the city.

Don't freeze over in the States (I hear it is sort of cold...) :)
More later!
Эмили
ps: We're having a 'warm' spell. Perhaps that is why I'm able to write such a positive blog on the Russian Winter!