I do miss South Carolina's reaction to snow, closing everything, while everyone stays home and enjoys the warmth inside, occasionally going outside to play or build a snowman with a toasty hot chocolate to follow.
I am not sure when the transition happened, switching from playing in the snow and having fun to dreading snow. I guess it was when going out in the snow went from a choice to a must without the snow pants, sleds, and guaranteed hot chocolate with marshmallows.
I am quite impressed with the city's reaction to the snow; snow plows were already out on the rounds and the apartment owner had already cleared a path to the street from our front door. The sidewalks weren't cleared so most everyone walked along the sides of the streets until reaching the city center. Buses were packed, one was too full for me to hop on, so I waited for the next one; while waiting I attempted a conversation with a kind woman in Italian. She understood my lack of understanding and abilities in Italian so she spoke slowly focusing on one or two word phrases and surprisingly I understood! Well I understood more than I expected, still far from where I would like to be in comprehension, but it works. Maybe in Term 4 I will have a stronger desire to spend time studying Italian; right now after spending 5 to 9 hours at school, the last thing I want to do is go home and study, especially when I have school readings and group projects to do.
The snow is expected to continue over the rest of today and tomorrow; I am hoping this will be the first and last snowfall of the year. Time to move someplace warm without snow!
Update on the snow...it is still here and still falling from the sky. I haven't ventured outside since yesterday, trying to stay warm inside the apartment. I am very, very thankful for electricity and heat during seasons like this. Campus is closed on Monday and Tuesday, so lots of time to catch up on homework, readings, and projects. The grocery store shelves were rather empty out here yesterday, so hopefully I don't get tired of pasta, pasta, and more pasta.
