The excitement of snowfall.

Finally, finally it snowed in Rome. After many different versions of the last occurrence of snow, I preferred to believe the largest number, 24 years, official or unofficial, who cares. It was sheer excitement to see snowflakes raining down from heaven, pure and pristine.  After a couple of weeks ploughing, sliding   in heavy snow, which almost ruined my Christmas vacation, I find myself surprisingly excited to see Rome carpeted with snow. What is happening? I thought snow was an inconvenience after the first 'aahs' and 'oohs'. The slushy roads  and the traffic snarls, the slippery pavements, it usually makes life miserable.

But in Rome there was an excitement for the past couple of days when the 'meteo' announced, 'it's going to snow'.  In the office, the signora was quick to say that all heads will be strained looking out of the windows, just to see snow falling.  There was a mini discussion on when it snowed last. There were worries of the traffic  bottlenecks if it snows heavily. She was even suggesting to go home early.  Excitement.  People were on the streets gleefully taking in  the snow. Excitement. Once it started to snow rather heavily, the children did have a field time playing in the snow. Excitement. Nobody seemed to be concerned about the problems of snow, the problems people around the world are facing right now, the problems of power shortages in NY, the lack of salt that paralyses motorways, the freezing temperatures that constantly indicate that 'the world is negative', etc.

Excitement. Everybody seemed to be sure that this is just a gift.  It is not going to trouble us.  Confirming all such beliefs, the rain came down heavily soon after, the sun too had a bright and sunny peak and in a couple of hours, everything was as usual. There was no trace of snow. The white carpet was unceremoniously removed, even before the sensation sank in. But that did not matter. Those who had longed to see the snowflakes blessing the earth had seen it.  Those who were waiting to see the snow in Rome had seen it happen right before their eyes.  Everything seemed to be scripted right to the last syllable.  Blessed are those who saw Snow in Rome.  There is nothing wrong in being excited.  What happens if it snows for a week? We will still be excited.