Moving to Africa cancelled out any chance of waking to a quiet wintry morning and the unexpected but oh-so-welcome school closing. It actually took a year or so of adjustment before I stopped missing those days. An intermittent variable reward (definitely going to happen but just not sure when) develops the strongest relationship, whether in love, child-rearing, or teachers and snow days. There is something satisfying about being given a chance to cozy down with the world, momentarily freeze time and enjoy the morning in your pajamas with a cup of tea. It's Sunday on a Monday....or Tuesday or whatever day the snow chance happens. It's like free time, an unexpected windfall of an entire day previously spoken for suddenly found with no responsibilities, commitments or expectations attached. It's lovely.
Moving to a tropical climate pretty much insured the end of those early mornings, eyes closed, ears open to the radio, hoping to hear that one magical name among the litany of schools being called out. Winters were definitely a major reason for leaving New York and so I don't regret a thing. Turns out Africa has her own set of 'snow days.'
Yes, in addition to soccer championships, election strife, and deadly disease outbreak, it seems mutiny is heading to the top of the list. Schools are closed so far this week in response to gunshots, road blockage and uncertainty. Those soldiers who never got paid during the first round of strikes have reached the end of their patience and their deadline.
This week has me waiting to get paid, stock the fridge and clear up some bills. It's not a good time for a revolution. I have kept my distance from Ivory Coast and that includes the complicated matter of her last (last) election and all the shady dealings involved. Or maybe I am feeling inundated with the same cycle of violence and manipulation that is playing out all over the world, again and again.
Because I am still in my recovery phase (calling this week physical therapy and trying to get back to my regular exercise routine,) I didn't get the small thrill of an unexpected day off. However, most teachers and students, along with some of their families are enjoying a random 2 day bonus time- staying home and staying safe- and wondering what's to come.
(I feel a need to point out that many people are NOT enjoying this time- they are losing out on work and want nothing more than to be back to their normal routine. There have been shootings and at least 1 death. I completely respect this and am not trying to minimize the situation in the country. But when there's a mutiny for the 2nd time in 5 months, and you're counting the days until you can get to that dreamy Mali retreat- which is surely waiting with it's own share of political and terrorist problems- a little perspective might be all there is. Break out the snow mittens, time to make an igloo.)
