And winter was just as much of an extreme delight! "IT'S LIKE A BLIZZARD OUT THERE," I wailed, as Fel and her family continued to witter on about what a mild winter they were having. I'm really beginning to think I'm not prepared for what awaits me.

As someone who has lived in your neck of the woods too, I can tell you that the UK is very mild compared to Canada. (And also very small. It takes forever to get anywhere here. And we can't pay for train tickets after we board, which is just stupid.) Buy a heavy coat and buy waterproof snow boots. You will need them. And never be ashamed to take a hot shower after being out in the Ottawa cold, just don't do it right when you get inside, you could go into shock.