So I now live in Sydney. I’m originally from Essex in England, so I’m used to fairly cold weather. Went winter rolled in, the jumpers and jackets would roll out. After all, the great North-South divide declares us as Southern Softies.

But, “Up North” - you have to say that with your best Geordie accent - it’s a different story. My friend is from Newcastle and we have the running joke’s about the differences between the North and South of England. And today, as the temperature drops to the point where I’m considering wearing a jumper - yes, it does get cold in Sydney despite the myths - I was reminded of a classic joke… The Geordie Thermometer.

It’s so true. I’ve never been up there, but I have friends from there, and they just don’t seem to feel the chill. It’s a strange thing. And that joke cracks me up every time!

One thing it has made me realise is that I really want to go there! I can’t believe I’ve never been. I went to Uni in the Midlands, and Newcastle’s not that far from it.

And yes, I just mentioned it. I actually have a selection of Winter clothes here in preparation for the Sydney Winter. It last for around 2 months, but thankfully doesn’t get as cold as home - gloves are not needed. But one thing I do wish is that they didn’t make manhole covers out of the slipperiest material known to man! I’m serious. The other day, it rained, and you can see all of Sydney’s working population carefully avoiding them like some kind of hop-scotch game. Those fool hardy enough to venture onto them, usually ended up doing some kind of impromptu dance routine with all the coordination of burning confetti in a tornado!

But, I do kind of like the rain. Reminds me a little of home. It’s rarely the same kind of drizzle you get in London - which is a good thing - but it is kind of comforting to know there are similarities with Sydney. Roll on deepest Winter… I’ve got my jacket ready.