In the middle of all the snow and cold I left quarantine for just 24 hours in Helsinki. Some potentially useful tips for getting through -20C or lower temperatures:

1. Don’t buy fresh herbs or lettuce if you have to walk home. They freeze (and then wilt) within minutes.
2. Don’t take your face mask off between shops, as the humidity condensed on your mask and face will freeze.
3. Do put your smartphone and any other electronic device close to your skin. A handbag is out of the question, and even a jacket pocket most likely won’t do – the device will freeze and die very quickly.
4. Four more words: technical wear, and long underwear (including long-johns and glove liners). Function before fashion, otherwise freezing is inevitable.

(Helsinki, Finland; January 2021)