Warm was the April of my departure, cold is the December of my return.

In life, one’s character can be glimpsed through small details.

For instance, what one wears while traveling.

Obviously, in Malaysia, where it is summer all year round, short sleeves and shorts are sufficient for daily outings; but what if your destination is Northern China?

This is exactly why one should bring a padded jacket when going to Malaysia (for the return trip).

Equally obviously, those shivering in minus nine-degree temperatures at the airport wearing only shorts and short sleeves do not understand this principle…

Often, planning ahead can be a lifesaver—for example, it keeps you from getting an over 80% head-turning rate when passing through a crowd, thus preserving a bit of your already fragile self-esteem.

You could also interpret this as a sort of “a hero sets out, never to return.”

At least, that was the first thought that popped into my head as I watched those warriors clad only in shorts.