An Australian tourist’s baffled response to seeing locals wearing light clothing during recent cold weather has attracted millions of views across social media platforms.
Ella Lowgren, who hails from Melbourne, visited Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and was taken aback to see “girlies in stockings rolling around, no jackets on, nothing” as temperatures plunged below freezing.
During her visit, which coincided with unseasonably cold conditions, Lowgren couldn’t wrap her head around the locals' choice of attire, admitting, “None of you are able to dress for the weather in any capacity. It’s cold.” Her comments quickly caught the attention of many, sparking widespread conversation online.
Lowgren, who previously traveled to countries like Germany and Sweden during their winter months, observed the apparent lack of appropriate dressing among Newcastle locals. She humorously noted, “I refuse to believe every single one of them was wearing a ‘beer jacket’,” responding to various comments on her observations. The term, ‘beer jacket,’ refers to the notion of alcohol making people feel warmer, which many online suggested could explain the locals' behavior.
Though not joining the locals' unusual fashion choices, Lowgren fully embraced the opportunity to indulge in the culinary scene, particularly enjoying local delicacies. “Oatcakes slap - they’re really good,” she exclaimed, reminiscing about her dining experiences.
Lowgren shared her sentiments during her visit on BBC Radio Stoke, emphasizing how much she appreciated the local food. “I have no idea how I’m going to have those back at home but they were definitely one of the highlights,” she said, hinting at her fond memories of Newcastle underneath her initial surprises.
While some commenters encouraged Lowgren to “toughen up,” underscoring the notion of merely adjusting to the weather, her observations reflected broader cultural habits surrounding dress and seasonal norms.
“What’s the deal?” Lowgren continued, highlighting the stark difference between perceived temperature and local customs. Her online commentary pointed to the amusing yet perplexing cross-cultural interactions experienced by travelers.
At the end of her trip, Lowgren expressed her overall satisfaction with her visit to Newcastle-under-Lyme. Despite the chilly weather and her bewilderment at local attire, she left with positive impressions and cherished moments from her time spent experiencing the local culture.
“I really enjoyed my time in Newcastle-under-Lyme,” Lowgren concluded, capturing the warmth of her experience, even if her initial response was one of confusion. This story serves as both a humorous glimpse at international cultural differences and as a reminder of the charm often found within local customs.