There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. - Alfred Wainwright

Autumn has arrived in Bydgoszcz. 

In previous  weeks it felt as if we had missed autumn gone straight to winter and then reversed back to summer. But the leaves are changing now; on the cusp of November it feels later than in the UK. 

I am really enjoying my commute to work and this in partly due to cracking what to wear.  I realise this is pretty standard for most of the world but it feels like a revelation!! 

in the morning I have a thin jumper or shirt, my big coat - open and a scarf/ hat combo in my bag/pocket. It’s usually a bit foggy but fresh and with a brisk walk, about warp factor 4/5, my clothing is about right. You have to layer up just before leaving  and delayer  as soon as you get indoors as the buildings are really warm. For the revers journey; coat fastened, hat and scarf on and warp factor 6/7 reducing to  5/4 and then 3 as you warm up and finally start up the hill home. De-robe asap and open windows!!

Yesterday I went for my first run since arriving. I didn’t go where I’d planned but did get an idea in my neighbourhood which is eclectic and seems typical of Bydgoszcz. Shops here aren’t generally where you expect them to be. There can be a row of houses and then a furniture store, 3 or 4  blocks of flats with a tanning parlour in between  or a beauty salon advertised on a 3rd floor balcony and there is a tropical snake shop in the shopping mall next to my work. 

On my run eventually found a park and then a long strip of autumn trees opposite the hospital and including the local tennis club  and a  picturesque set of steps with a monument and mural. It was great to be in a green space again and reminded me of running with Helen in Hough Woods at this time of the year.

cats on a balcony near home!!