Snow in Rome!

For the first time since 1986, Rome has been dealing with a heavy snowfall, as much as 2 feet in some areas, and it's creating chaos.  The Colosseum and the Roman Forum, icons of the Eternal City, have been closed, though Romans and tourists alike are enjoying snowball fights near the Colosseum.

The entire peninsula of Italy has been inundated by snow and sub-zero temperatures, and due to the fact that many parts of the country rarely see snow, they are ill-equipped to deal with it. Many crops are in peril from the freezing temperatures. The mayor of Rome has issued the distribution of 2000 snow shovels to volunteers in Rome, hoping to help with snow removal, and ice is also a danger. Trains, buses and many flights are unable to run or meet their schedules. Truck drivers are unable to deliver goods, as several highways have been closed.

But the snow scene is even more dramatic in Bologna, where nearly 80 cm (@ 3 feet) of snow has fallen. And is still falling! 

a street in Bologna

And still, there's always time for creative fun.

Italy has been hard hit with a variety of troubles this winter, and it could be a long, slow recovery. I'll soon be there to witness it firsthand.

For more great photos, click on this link:      Rome in the snow