It snowed in Queen Cleopatra’s hometown of Alexandria this week, and no one was ready for it. From tombs to Christmas trees, Egypt is full of surprises. It’s the first snow in almost a decade. No one could believe their eyes.

Most people don’t know that Egypt has a winter season from November to February. It’s 48 degrees Fahrenheit inside my apartment and I am literally chilling. Apartment buildings typically don’t have insulation and certainly no central heat.

I’ve been here in winter, but I don’t remember it biting back like a white walker. My current ensemble includes two layers of pants & socks, three shirts, a hat & scarf, and a blanket I wear as a cloak. I considered bringing my blanket to a Christmas party yesterday, but I relented during the final hour.

No one expected a white Christmas in Egypt, yet here we are.

Merry Christmas!