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Is this Sochi or South Beach? Russia basks in sun while US gets buried in snow

Another major storm has left a trail of snow more than a foot deep in many parts of the East Coast and Deep South, annoying the heck out of Americans watching the 2014 Winter Olympics. Why? Because shirtless spectators in Sochi, Russia, are enjoying temps in the 60s, making conditions downright pleasant, even for athletes dependent on the snow for competition.Are these the Winter Games or the X-G
Shirtless fan in Sochi vs. freeze in the US.
Shirtless fan in Sochi vs. freeze in the US.Getty Images
By Eun Kyung Kim

Another major storm has left a trail of snow more than a foot deep in many parts of the East Coast and Deep South, annoying the heck out of Americans watching the 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Why? Because shirtless spectators in Sochi, Russia, are enjoying temps in the 60s, making conditions downright pleasant, even for athletes dependent on the snow for competition.

Enjoying+a+wee+'bronzing'+moment+in+the+sun+with+team+mate+@benkilner+#sochi+#mountainvillage+pic.twitter.com/H4Rhay1IN9

—+Jenny+Jones+(@jennyjonessnow)+February+12,+2014+

Are these the Winter Games or the X-Games?

SOCHI, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 13: A shirtless fan watches the Women's 10 km Classic during day six of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Laura Cross-countr...
A shirtless fan watches the Women's 10 km Classic on Thursday, day six of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.Lars Baron / Today
epa04074193 A Russian man swims in the Black Sea outside the Olympic Park at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games, Sochi, Russia,13 February 2014. Warm weathe...
A Russian man after a dip in the Black Sea outside the Olympic Park in Sochi.NIC BOTHMA / Today


Feb. 10, 2014 - Sochi, Russia - Course workers take off their shirts to enjoy the warm weather as they prepare the landing hill before the Men's Nordi...
Course workers take off their shirts to enjoy the warm weather as they prepare the landing hill before the men's Nordic combined.Erich Schlegel / Today
A shirtless spectator watches Russia's Julia Ivanova compete during the women's 10K classical-style cross-country race at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Th...
A shirtless spectator watches Russia's Julia Ivanova compete during the women's 10K classical-style cross-country race.Jae C. Hong / Today

Meanwhile, the severe snow and ice storm has shut down airports and government offices and given kids yet another day off from school. It also has wreaked havoc among Southerners unaccustomed to harsh winter conditions.

I+saw+snow+plows+this+morning.+@NMoralesNBC+saw+dolphins.+Natalie+wins.+http://t.co/PTTSz8vLjY+#SochiTODAY

—+Ian+Sager+(@ian_sager)+February+13,+2014+


WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 13: People travel on cross country skies near the U.S. Capitol, on February 13, 2014 in Washington, DC. The east coast was h...
Outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC.Mark Wilson / Today
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12: Bryan Fuller and his son, Cannon Fuller, tour a Druid Hills neighborhood in their customized golf cart on February 12, 2014...
Bryan Fuller and his son tour an Atlanta neighborhood in their customized golf cart.Davis Turner / Today
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officers work to assist motorists as they attempt to drive up a hill that is covered in snow in Charlotte, North Carolina...
Authorities work to help motorists stuck on snow-covered streets in Charlotte, N.C.CHRIS KEANE / Today