"Spoiler Alert: Yes, It Snows in Africa" by Rowan Ibrahim
Before I say anything, I’d like to have a moment of silence in recognition of the gift that is social media and the endless amount of knowledge it has given us. Without it, my family and friends would have never known that there are places in Africa that do indeed get cold.
I would especially like to extend my gratitude and give a special shout out to Snapchat. It is by far my favorite social media application to use. It’s authentic, unfiltered, and private, so often times hilarity ensues (side note: Snapchat if you’re out there reading this by any chance, feel free to sponsor me - I’m very easy to reach). Ever since the moment I arrived, family and friends have constantly been reaching out, expressing their jealousy of the warm weather.
Yesterday, Ifrane had its first huge snowstorm of the year. We’ve gained approximately 20 inches of snow so far. Oh, the irony.
But don’t get me wrong, I love snow. As soon as there was enough snow on the ground, I put on my snow boots and trekked up the mountain with my friends to appreciate the overnight winter wonderland in its full glory. I snapped a pic to my family and friends to share the breathtaking view. What happened next was nothing short of madness.
Within seconds my phone started blowing up with dumfounded messages from people who couldn’t believe that Morocco didn’t look all too different from Massachusetts at this time of year. Some people thought that I left the country to go skiing somewhere in Europe.
I found it very interesting to see how their perceptions of Africa were more or less the same (at least in terms of its climate) and I came to the realization that the very little exposure to Africa we got in grade school was pitiful and this is something that needs to be reformed in the future.
Wow Africa is so warm; you must love being so warm in Africa all the time. Photo credit: Rowan Ibrahim, 2018
Anyway, speaking of school, classes are in full swing at Al Akhawayn! I can’t believe that I’ve almost been here for a full month and I’m already upset at the thought of having to leave in 3 months.
Time is flying by! Photo Credit: Rowan Ibrahim, 2018
