Ifrane became a Winter Wonderland...
Last Friday was the start of a big snow storm that accumulated in the city of Ifrane for the entire weekend. Classes were cancelled as the snow kept building up inch by inch. It was the first big snow I have had this year and it was very surprising to have it in Africa. Back home, in Massachusetts where I live, my mom had told me it has not really snowed that much yet at this point.
What took me by surprise more than anything else is that all the bulldozers and the snow clearing services were sponsored directly by AUI, where the school sent out a mass email saying that they were clearing the roads for the students and the faculty to get in and out of the campus. When conditions got very severe, they organized two convoys where they were clearing out paths for a line of cars to get from campus to the center of town. However, I think that system did not work at all because of the extreme amount of snow we ended up getting.
When I asked the students about this particular weather, many have told me that they have never seen such a big snow storm in Ifrane, ever.
With the snow, one would expect everyone to be inside in the comfort of their warm, cozy rooms. However, here at AUI and around the city, there were many students and people alike taking advantage of the beauty of a white covered city. This may be a little dorky, but everywhere I went, the effect of the white on the trees and the snow covered ground made me think of the scene in the Narnia Chronicles of The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, when in the beginning the whole land of Narnia is covered in snow during the rule of the White Witch (I know, dorky.) But in all seriousness, this is what the city looked like to me. It is absolutely beautiful. I, myself, took advantage of the whole weekend and spent almost ever minute of it outdoors, taking pictures of the new perspective that the snow gave for Ifrane.
I do have to say, however, it is absolutely FREEZING. I definitely regret not bringing a winter coat, so I have been borrowing a friend's for about a week now. (Thank you, Simo!) I also went to the marche yesterday and bought myself a new pair of rain boots for 65MAD, 3 pairs of long socks, and long underwear, which I definitely recommend!
This weekend, it truly showed me the real beauty of Ifrane, and just why this city is attractive to tourists from within the country as well as abroad. I feel truly blessed to be here.
The pond in front of Aguelmam. So beautiful!
Last Friday was the start of a big snow storm that accumulated in the city of Ifrane for the entire weekend. Classes were cancelled as the snow kept building up inch by inch. It was the first big snow I have had this year and it was very surprising to have it in Africa. Back home, in Massachusetts where I live, my mom had told me it has not really snowed that much yet at this point.
My building, Building 34.
When I asked the students about this particular weather, many have told me that they have never seen such a big snow storm in Ifrane, ever.
With the snow, one would expect everyone to be inside in the comfort of their warm, cozy rooms. However, here at AUI and around the city, there were many students and people alike taking advantage of the beauty of a white covered city. This may be a little dorky, but everywhere I went, the effect of the white on the trees and the snow covered ground made me think of the scene in the Narnia Chronicles of The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, when in the beginning the whole land of Narnia is covered in snow during the rule of the White Witch (I know, dorky.) But in all seriousness, this is what the city looked like to me. It is absolutely beautiful. I, myself, took advantage of the whole weekend and spent almost ever minute of it outdoors, taking pictures of the new perspective that the snow gave for Ifrane.
I do have to say, however, it is absolutely FREEZING. I definitely regret not bringing a winter coat, so I have been borrowing a friend's for about a week now. (Thank you, Simo!) I also went to the marche yesterday and bought myself a new pair of rain boots for 65MAD, 3 pairs of long socks, and long underwear, which I definitely recommend!
This weekend, it truly showed me the real beauty of Ifrane, and just why this city is attractive to tourists from within the country as well as abroad. I feel truly blessed to be here.
Please excuse us for our explicit language;)
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