To & - European Weather

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Gretchen may (in my opinion) be a bit Californian with her response - but then

again, she does give some very good advice to be prepared - Europe can be very

changeable - and cold - and wet - at the end of March. Temperatures range in

the 40s to 50s. But of course the weather can turn and I have seen 60-70 as

well as snow!

First, UGG boots or similar are a godsend - and trendy. Wear them with jeans

and she will look both stylish as well as keeping her feet warm at the same

time. I must admit, the stylish thing is the selling point for me with the

warmth as an added benefit!

Most everywhere in Europe nice jeans can be worn, but she will need to bring

along nice trousers to wear too in case of going out someplace nice. I also

wear out trendy skirts with Ugg boots which are totally acceptable too!

For tops, an American would say to wear heavy sweaters fleeces and the like. A

European will accomplish nearly the same thing by wearing lots of thinner layers

- and look a bit more stylish (this is my opinion - sorry if I have offended

anyone). My favourites right now are a vest (like a thermal tanktop) with a

turtle next sweater over top. This should hold into about early April as far as

looks go, and has taken me straight through from November. That is all, and

with a jacket (normal long not heavy wool winter coat - not down although

Russians Germans and Italians like the down look),jeans and Uggs I am set for

most any occasion (including the office to the despair of my French and more

stylish colleagues!)

For a coat, a long winter coat (I have two both wool and not super thick)will be

good until about April. Or a ski-type jacket - although the puffy ski jackets

may be a bit too much for the end of March. I would not recommend ski boots -

although I do wear my hiking boots around occasionally when it is raining, as my

hiking boots (by Lowa) first hold my ankles well and also have space for my

orthotics, and send have Goretex so my feet stay dry.

For gloves, bring a pair - yesterday I was without mine because I dropped them

at the airport a few months back and I was not happy to not have any stuffed in

my pockets as it was cold. So bring along a pair.

Most time in Europe that is spent walking is in getting from point a to point b,

which is outside, but usually for about 15 minutes tops and then moving inside.

All the inside to outside movement means layers are best. And not too many heavy

layers because they are a pain to carry! Heating inside even in galleries,

museums and the like is fine.

Don't be sad that you are sending to Europe - and also don't be worried.

Experiences - good and bad - and being cold and learning what to wear to stay

warm - are all a part of living. Just make sure that you get a digital

camera so she can take lots and lots of photos so that you can see how much fun

she had!

Email me off list (or get to) if you have any other questions,

Donna from London