When we travel the world, we find diversity on many levels. Not only does each destination have a unique language or dialect, but unique food, music, technology, traditions, customs, games, sports, and animals. Sometimes the diversity can be so overwhelming that we miss some of these levels completely. It’s our role as travellers to appreciate these differences as we jump from place to place.

One changing factor of travel is weather. We often take for granted the affect that weather has on specific locations. It has the capacity to control moods, activities, fashions, foods – the list goes on. In turn, it has indirect affects on economics, worldviews and cultural identity.

Next time you’re travelling, think about the climate of the foreign city you’re in. Think about how it plays a role in everything around you. Doing so can be a great window into understanding the inner workings of the places you visit.

Another worldly component of weather can be experiencing it directly. The Harmattan winds of West Africa can block the sun for days. The hail of northern India can reach the size of grapefruits. The moonbows of Kentucky burst colour into the night sky.

Take a look at this waterspout tornado off the coast of Australia. It’s something you may never see in your neck of the woods.