Translation of früher in German-English

Some of the disadvantages are the coldness, darkness and the fact that the days are a lot shorter then as in the summer. First let me tell you what I do not like about the winter. It is the following.
It can also be directed against a group of people who have anything in common, such as religion or being from the same nation. Being that it gives one the fake feeling of superiority and self-confidence.
One could see the animals from a distance. There were sea lions, whales and penguins, all very far away. In the evening we went on a boat for whale watching which was a really great experience.