The reason for having a whole section about warmth is that being cold the whole time is a main feature of Spring Festival stays in Hunan. Therefore sources of warmth assume for a short time great importance in one's life.
What we left behind: 25 deg.C sunny Shenzhen.
Sitting for hours doing email was possible thanks to his under-table electric heater. You put your feet right over the heating elements then cover your legs with a blanket.
You keep your feet and legs warm this way, but your hands freeze. So you have to jump out of the blanket and as fast as possible replenish the hot water in your cup, which is mainly for warming your hands rather than drinking.
Of course I was just being antisocial and for everyone else, this is the centre of heat in the house. Dining room coal burner.
Jenny doesn't complain about the cold as much as me, being much more active and better kitted out in fur boots.
Ahh, the only time of day you are truly warm... heavy duvet and electric blanket! Everything thaws out. Problem is you really don't want to get out in the morning.
Ahh, a sunny day. Everybody get outside and soak up the warmth!
Wooden bathtub made from trees from Dad's wood. It turned out to be too big to fit through the doorway so they had to hoist it in through our bathroom window before we arrived. Unfortunately there is no hot water tank so the only way to fill this thing is to bring buckets of hot water upstairs. Then wait while the next bucket of water heats up over the coal burner. After about ten buckets Jenny gave up and had a rather non satisfying six inch deep bath.
After bath or shower, get back in bed while drying yourself! Make sure clothes are pre heated using the electric blanket.
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Next: The Outdoors
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