Chileans are self-described friolentos. They get cold very easily.
If the temperature drops below about 70, they start complaining. They bundle up and walk the streets, shivering, while muttering, "Helado, helado."
Helado can be "ice cream," or just "frozen."
I think I have discovered the source of their thin blood.
The other day, two ladies boarded the subway train. One carried all the gear. The other, a swaddled baby.
It was 67 degrees that morning and I was fanning myself, as usual, when they stepped onboard. They sat down and removed the baby's blanket before straightening everything and tucking her in again.
This little sumo baby was wearing flannel pants with a long flannel dress over it, booties, a pink knit stocking cap, a bib, and lest she feel any air at all, she was topped off by a double-sided flannel blanket.
I started fanning harder as I watched in amazement. Just looking at all that flannel made me sweat.
This wasn't the first time I had noticed over-dressed children here. It's the norm. Chileans laugh at themselves and even have an expression for it. Mas abrigado que un hijo único. More wrapped up than an only child.
I don't know if this baby is an only child, but I have no doubt that she will be a friolenta.
Growing up in Chile, I was forced to wear "calzones de lana", hand knitted by my grandmother, over my regular underwear every time it got even a little cold. The memories still make me itch!
ReplyDeleteI KNEW it!! jajaja Thanks for your comment, Rossana.
DeleteThe Portuguese are the same! However, since moving here I find we feel the cold easier than the UK. the tourists arrive in their shorts and t-shirts while we walk around in jumpers, long trousers and coats.
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