Life in the English Countryside / Winter Edition

A few years ago, I saw a garden blanketed in snow for the first time in my ten years of living in England. The pure white snow, known as the "flower of winter," is a rare sight in our neighborhood. When it does snow, it often turns to rain due to the mild temperatures, and it’s not uncommon for it to freeze and fall as hail. Therefore, witnessing a snow-covered landscape feels like a truly special experience in Wales. My daughter, born here, was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of stepping into deep, fluffy snow, just like in movies or fairy tales, when she turned seven. Even then, we had to settle for a small snow bunny instead of rolling a giant snowman, as there wasn't enough snow.

The time to see the sun is also short. In the winter of Wales, the summer sun, which refuses to set until ten at night, disappears by four in the afternoon. After lunch, it seems like the sun, which hasn’t fully risen, begins to set before you know it. Living in Wales, where harsh weather is common, I often hear the saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." This witty remark comes from the famous British travel writer Alfred Wainwright. Although winter can easily lead to feelings of lethargy due to the dark and damp weather, instead of blaming the weather, I bundle up in warm clothes and step outside. There are joys unique to this season hidden everywhere. The low-hanging sky and the long, dark winter nights reveal a different landscape that is often overshadowed by the brilliance of summer. One can easily enjoy the beautiful sunset created by the purple clouds resting low in the mountains and the setting sun without waiting long, and meet the moon and stars in the night sky early, draped over the red sunset.

The dark, unpolluted countryside night sky is a great playground for stargazing. On nights when my heart is stirred, we gather around a bonfire, listening to the crackling of the wood and the hooting of owls. The taste of warm cocoa piled high with marshmallows melts away the chill in my nose, and the sweet flavor of roasted sweet potatoes, enjoyed while blowing on them to cool them down, is something that summer barbecues cannot replicate! On clear nights, the garden illuminated by the bright full moon and streetlights becomes even more vivid in the early darkness, revealing the hidden light of winter. The light from a night train passing over the hill in front of the garden, shining through the bare branches, creates a dreamlike scene that is not visible in the lush summer.

My dog, who feels warmer when cuddled during the cold, is also a companion for cozy winter days.

My daughter, who goes to bed early, can fully enjoy the night scenery before sleeping. The winter nights also bring the special treat of roasted sweet potatoes.

"Deficiency" stimulates our creativity and curiosity. Although it is difficult to venture out and see the beautiful cityscapes or night views of historic sites due to restrictions on outings and gatherings, precious light that can warm up winter nights is hidden in delicate candle holders and tiny yellow fairy lights. The things that shine brighter in the darkness are not limited to landscapes. If there is a long shadow cast over your frozen heart this winter, why not open your heart and seek the light? Although each person's situation and environment may differ, there are unique landscapes that only you can experience. Even the faintest light of imagination shines brighter in deep darkness.

In this short winter with unavoidable long nights, if we enjoy it in our own ways, the sunlight of the eagerly awaited spring may return with even greater joy. I look forward to meeting everyone again on a beautiful spring day filled with blooming daffodils and tulips. Wishing you all a warm and healthy winter!

Jeong Sokyo

I majored in art in Korea. Due to my need to eat food from nature to ease my morning sickness, I came to appreciate the value of nature and decided to move to a small countryside village that has preserved the Welsh style from 200 years ago and is designated as a cultural heritage site.

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