Seasons in Kenya aren't necessarily associated with holiday sales at department stores and traditions involving mass consumerism and inevitable flight delays. The driving force that moves Kenyans from one season to the next is the life-giving release of rain, or the lack thereof. With it, if you work hard in the shamba, there is practically a guaranteed food source for your family and possibly even something to sell in the market. But rain is a love-hate relationship here in Nyanza. With each rains a sticky red mud is developed that has an affinity for the soles of each persons shoes. And mopping the floor of your home can be a bi-weekly event. Each day when thunder is heard collecting in the distance and each night when the drastically increasing patter of rain hits the tin roof fellow neighbors run to the fences and complain with a smile about the hindrances of rain. But I know in the back of their minds they can sleep peacefully knowing the rainy season has extended one more day, and the fate of their shamba looks up once again.
October in Nyanza province signifies the end of the short rainy season and the beginning of a difficult 3 months of little to no rain. Although this year the short rains have lasted longer than predicted, I have not heard any complaints. For me, there's nothing more perfect than laying in complete darkness and listening to the rains as I drift to sleep. Because I'm probably the only person in this community who doesn't rely on my shamba, rains aren't at the top of my mind. Instead I've found myself thinking about my favorite season on a whole different continent. What I wouldn't give to be able to set my clock back an hour and watch the sun set and rise at a different time than 6:30 every day. To be able to stroll through a pumpkin patch and smell the aromatic organics of earth and straw mixing together. During fall in North America the sun plays a different role than "intense". It casts a kaleidoscope of colors through changing leaves and reminds me that there must be an end before rebirth. A different kind of futbal is played, in which eating and drinking takes up most of the sport. Later in the month nights get cooler and dark forms are made from the lights of freshly cut jack-o-lanterns. This is my favorite time of year, when creativity allows you to become ANYTHING you want for just one night. No matter what age you are, you're allowed to escape reality and let your inner child come to life.
For me, as we enter "spring" and prepare for the unforgiving summer months in Kenya I am calmed by the fond memories I'm able to re-live. But who knows, perhaps this season also could be my most favorite while residing along the equator.
2 comments:
The fall has been good to feel again. It's great to walk out of a warm house and feel COLD, even if the invigorating feeling lasts only a few minutes before shivering kicks in. They call it "Football weather". This season for college football has turned everything we were used to on its head. UF and GA are terrible, and South Carolina and Auburn are on top of the SEC. WTF? The best part of fall has been the leaves changing. Instead of being muggy and constantly sunny, weekend hikes are accompanied by clouds and the smell of decay. It's a good, earthy smell that foretells the rebirth you mentioned. Sleeping to rain in complete darkness sounds like heaven, and I remember how much you like thunderstorms. It's hard to go somewhere here where its completely dark, so enjoy it. I'm sure Max would be jealous. Also, Election politics has been at the usual fever pitch this past week, with all the mudslinging, soundbites, and catcalls that go along. Be thankful you're missing it. Although I suppose we should be thankful for our democracy, imperfect as it is.
Take care,
Chris
Thanks man
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