Two days ago a snowstorm made its way across the DC-Metro area. The snowfall began around noon Monday and continued all night. The next morning, we awoke to an all-white scene. The sight was refreshing, as I hadn’t seen snow in a couple of years. What I found fascinating was that in spite of the inches of snow that engulfed the area, business continued, as usual. This is quite unlike what usually happens in Jordan on snowy days, where the country shuts down.
Here, life simply went on. To my surprise, The Washington Post was delivered right in front of our doorstep and on time. In and around our neighborhood people quickly cleared the snow off their cars and headed to work, driving on already-cleared roads. At work, everyone arrived almost on time and completed their tasks as expected. At the end of the workday, I took the bus home and arrived at my usual time. The mail was there, delivered on time just like any other day.
You see, I found this unusual. In Jordan, when snows arrives, things are handled differently. The entire country shuts down with the arrival of the first snowflakes. Naturally, in my home country we stay inside during snowy days and enjoy the time off. Here things are not that fun. The idea of "closing down the shop" during snowy days is not taken for granted. Sigh!
More snow is expected to arrive at week’s end. Although its arrival will likely not equate to a day off, I still wholeheartedly welcome it. When it comes to snow, I’m still a child. I simply adore it.
Natasha,
It’s not that way for all of us in America. Here south of the Mason-Dixon line, we pretty much act like Jordan – we shut down. Snow may be welcome as an event but we don’t clear roads. We let it melt for a few days. Commerce kinda takes a hit but the kids have fun – no school and lots of hills to slide on. Causes a lot of consternation for folks who just “have to get …” somewhere.
I thought DC shut down when it snowed more than an inch or two,but maybe they’ve decided to live with it like we do here in Ohio.We’re supposed to get 4-8″ tonight,btw,but that’s no big deal around here.The snowbelt near Lake Erie gets over 100″ annually,but I live just south of there and we get about half that amount.
Snow would be a lot more fun if it wasn’t so darn cold!! Guess I’m too old to appreciate it the way I did as a kid 🙁
It seems to be more of a thrill for those who come from areas of the country/world that rarely experience it,but if anyone wants some,give me your address and I’ll send you a box full. LOL!
I thought that when DC got more than 1 inch the whole city would shut down. 🙂 Do you guy even own ice scrapers there? How about chains for your car tires? There are no laws requiring chains here, but I can assure you I have go through at least one ice scraper per year.
And just like Amman, it seems that people in Michigan usually forget how to drive in the snow from year to year.
Wait until the cold is compounded with the wind chill….then the hairs in your nose start to freeze.
I live in the Metro DC area as well. I love the snow, being born in Germany and living in North Dakota and Alaska as I have.
I just wish there would have been 10 inches, I wanted the day off!
Lucky you!!
Here; they are performing “Istisqa’a” prayer today … I heard it in the news … because it is already 8th of Dec and the weather is still sunny … we still have the AC on in the office 🙁
In Jordan; when it snows; it is much better to shut down everything because if they don’t, the cost that the municipality has to withstand to cover for the accidents exceeds the cost if the day was off – I was told this by a municipality official so I am quoting – and they are now studying shutting down on heavy rain days because it is almost the same as snowy days.
I remember in 2002, I got caught on airport road for 5+ hours because of the snow … and at the end I did not reach home, I had to go to a cousin’s house in Marj Al Hamam and stay there for the night … yes, it took me 5+ hours to drive from the 7th circle to marj el hamam … *sigh … the good old days 🙂
Enjoy the snow while it lasts and pray for us 🙂
Hi,
I’m in Boulder Colorado, and tonight we are experiencing 11 degrees below weather. I hate to think what it’s like in Leadville, where temperatures in the summer can be freezing!
The school administrator in Boulder is from Alaska, so there’s not much chance that Boulder Valley schools ever close for snow.
The snow wasn’t that much, but my son and one friend were the only two that showed up at his school today. He does attend a very small private liberal arts school, but it was still kind of amusing.
I’m in my office at work and there are many chilly drafts that get in here. I’m wearing my coat right now!
Snow is beautiful but I hate when the roads get icy.
Peace,
Cie
Thiss reminds me of a funny issue in Germany where they actually take off when the weather it too hot!
So Guess its all about what ones accustomed to
Snow is what I miss most about the US. I grew up in the mountains, and school would only close if the roads were closed. We would even ski to school. Some houses had second story doors at the snow would routinely get 15 ft deep. Ahhh.
I’m glad Amman shuts down when there is a snowfurry, as they wisely have not invested in snow removal equipment. It keeps people off the roads!
My kids are already praying for snow here! If we don’t get it, I tell them maybe the Bedouins didn’t have enough tarp for there tents and God had mercy.
Natasha, are you going to post pictures from thereception?
nothing beats the view of snow, but once you know you have to drive to work in that weather it starts to suck.
We can’t compare appples to oranges, in DC and Utah where you guys live the area is prepared for a long bad winter. If it snows here in Tucson like it did 15 years ago, everything will be paralyzed. Nobody would leave his house and definitely schools will close. But never mind, it won’t snow again !
this is why i hate the snow here! it is more of an inconveniene than a joy. i have to drag myself out in terrible weather, endure maniacs driving around me and see kids on campus thinking they are too cool to wear something besides flip flpos and shorts!