Ever since I arrived in Australia I’ve been fascinated by the clothes the locals have been wearing. Not to pick-up some style inspiration – I typically buy whatever is on the Topman clearance page – but because of the layers they’ve been wearing. I’ve seen people with wooly hats, long scarves and thick coats; all while the sun is beaming and temperature is hovering around the late teens / early twenties.

During my first weeks I was constantly tickled by what I saw; sometimes so much that I would make a comment to The Girl about it later that day. She was often indifferent in her response. But as weeks turned to months I gained a new understanding for the Australian weather. Most days have been bright, sunny and warm; almost like a perfect English spring. I’ve even managed to tan a little. But often, out of nowhere, an Arctic Antarctic wind will blow in and chill you to the bone. At first my naïveté (read:arrogance) meant that I would freeze while everyone else, everyone that I teased, was comfortable. I’ve since learnt to always carry a jumper and a rain jacket if I can. Rain storms can also be as unpredictable.

Despite this new found sensitivity to Australians “over dressing”, I have to tell you about one guy who I saw the other day in The Rocks. It was an especially lovely morning and I had already started to glow quite heavily during the 100 metre walk from the bus stop to the office. Up ahead I saw a man wearing a Drizza-Bone cape-coat and matching hat. I was incredulous. As I approached him I also saw that he was wearing a thick gilet. “The lunatic” I said to myself. Then as I passed him I spied that he was carrying an additional coat in his reusable supermarket bag.

The weather has started to improve recently, which means the jumper is being carried more and worn less. The rain jacket might even stay at home tomorrow. But now I face a new meteorological peril; the heat. And my melting in it.