Paris in the Snow: Two Young Mauritians Build Their Snowman... and Share the Magic with Mauritius

They swapped the tropical sun for the winter temperatures of the Paris region. Settled in Villejuif, near Paris, for a year, 11-year-old Raphaël and his 9-year-old brother Baptiste are still discovering the joys—and chills—of European winter.

Not really accustomed to the cold, and even less to the snow, the two young Mauritians wasted no time when a white blanket covered their neighborhood. With gloves on their hands and hats snugly on their heads, they enthusiastically set to work building their first snowman—a true "winter companion."

Proud of their creation, Raphaël and Baptiste wanted to share this moment with Mauritian internet users and the diaspora. Through their snowman, they also send a sweet nod to their grandparents in Vacoas, who are still enjoying the warmth of Mauritius.

Balancing nostalgia for their homeland with wonder at the snow, the two brothers discover that winter can also have its charm—especially when you can give it a big smile.