Twenty years ago, Julia Manfredi moved from Rosario, Argentina, to Thunder Bay, Canada, to follow the love of her life. There, the extremely low temperatures are a daily challenge. Julia describes how in winter it is common for temperatures to reach 35 or even 40 degrees below zero.
An interesting anecdote she shares is that the cold in Canada is very dry, making it different from the cold in Argentina. When it is 35 degrees below zero in Canada, the air is so dry that the nasal passages freeze instantly. During a recent visit to Rosario, Argentina, Julia experienced a temperature of 44 degrees with 300% humidity, which contrasts sharply with the Canadian weather.
Despite the climatic differences, Julia has managed to adapt to life in Canada. She maintains some Argentine traditions, such as drinking mate both at home and at work, and having dinner a little later than usual in Canada to find a middle ground with her Canadian husband's customs.
Despite the cultural adaptation, Julia still misses the affection and family gatherings of Argentina. She fondly remembers Argentine foods like alfajores and facturas, which are not common in Canada. Although she faced challenges at first, such as the lack of cash during the Argentine crisis of 2001, Julia has managed to settle in Canada and raise her family there.
Thunder Bay, the city where Julia resides, can record temperatures of up to 40 degrees below zero in winter, which many find hard to imagine. Despite the climatic and cultural differences, Julia feels comfortable in Canada and has found a balance between Argentine and Canadian customs.