I made this journey when the Sun was in the sign of Cancer, which is the hottest time of the year. During this season, the heat was very strong and uncomfortable for me, especially when I traveled across the great plains of Friuli and Austria. The wide and open lands had little shade, and the sun shone directly upon the ground for many hours. Because of this, the air felt heavy and burning, and the journey became tiring The Position of Belgrade.
However, when I entered the Alps and began to travel among the hills and mountains, the air became much more moderate and pleasant. The country there was green, fresh, and full of life. This was very different from the plains of Austria, where most of the grass had been burned and dried by the heat of the sun.
The Difference Between Plains and Mountains
I clearly noticed that the heat in the plains was far more severe than in the higher regions. If there were not a steady breeze blowing about the middle of the day across the great plains, especially in the southern countries, the heat would be almost unbearable. The wind helped to cool the air and made travel possible during the hottest hours.
In contrast, the mountain regions remained cool and refreshing. Even in the height of summer, the air there felt gentle and agreeable. The green fields and slopes gave a sense of comfort that was completely lacking in the dry plains below Sofia Day Tours.
The Life of the Peasants in the Alpine Regions
I also observed how pleasantly the poor peasants in the Alpine countries lived and enjoyed themselves. After finishing their daily labor in the fields, they did not appear weak or exhausted. Instead, they were lively, cheerful, and full of energy. Sometimes they would play cards together using long and narrow cards that were common in those regions.
This sight surprised me, because at the same time many rich countrymen in Austria seemed faint and tired from the heat. They often struggled to breathe and found little comfort in the hot weather. Their wealth did not protect them from the effects of the climate, while the simple peasants, who lived in cooler and higher places, appeared far more refreshed.
Climate Is Not Only About Latitude
It did not help that Austria lies more to the north than Styria or Carinthia. One might think that a northern country would always be cooler, but this is not always true. There can be as much difference in temperature between one mile of land as there is between many degrees of latitude.
A traveler who wishes to cool himself in summer may do better to climb the nearest hill than to travel far into a more northern country. I have myself experienced this very clearly. At one time, I nearly froze on the top of a hill, and within an hour, after descending into a valley, I suffered greatly from heat.
Changing Weather in Hills and Valleys
On some mornings, I stood upon a hill at sunrise under a clear sky and pleasant weather. From that high place, I could see a valley surrounded by mountains and completely covered with clouds far below us. The sun shining upon the tops of the clouds made them appear soft like fine wool and created the sweetest and most beautiful lights and shadows.
Yet, when we later descended into that same valley beneath the clouds, the scene was no longer pleasant. Instead of clear skies and bright views, we found dull weather and were rained upon for most of the day. This showed how greatly the weather can change between high and low places.
Cold in Hot Countries and Snow in Warm Lands
It may seem strange, but even in very hot countries, travelers often complain of the cold they suffer when crossing hills and mountains. In Arabia, for example, the heat in the lowlands is extreme, yet the higher lands can be cold and harsh.
Likewise, many mountains in Italy and Spain remain covered with snow and ice throughout the whole summer. I have also heard from Dr. Butler, who traveled in those regions, and from other witnesses, that Mount Atlas is covered with snow as well. This is remarkable, especially when compared with Great Britain, where such lasting summer snow is not found.
Thus, the height of the land and the nature of the terrain often have more influence on heat and cold than the general climate of the country itself.
