Lets talk about....the weather

It took me a few hours, but I finally decided to take advantage of the empty office to write a small post. I have the Internet in the container to myself, so why not use it for something selfishly productive?

While watching the news last night - literally watching, since it was in Swahili and I only understand every few words still - I noticed that the temperature for Kilimanjaro today was forecast for 34 degrees. Wow. Its funny how when you don't pay attention you somewhat get used to being hot. But I hadn't realized the temperature has been over 30 degrees for the last little while.

In the mornings I look outside to see how overcast it is, not to determine whether or not I need an umbrella or rain coat, but to determine whether my flip flops will get stuck in the mud or my toes will turn brown from wearing my Tevas. This morning the sun was already shining so Tevas it is!

Most mornings are at least partially overcast by the time I wake up at ten to seven. My walk to work usually falls around the 8 o'clock mark so I don't show up for the morning meeting on time. That would be silly, no one would be there and I would sit around in the hot, damp dining hall by myself. So leaving the house at 8am gets me to work "on time" and I join the meeting in progress, which I have learned is totally normal, expected and followed by most of the staff.

Dampness. Yes it is very damp and humid in the mornings. Sometimes the humidity disappears in the afternoon around the same time the clouds take off and the sun, in its equatorial glory, attempts to burn my skin. This is around the time we are happy to have air conditioning in our office because, as I"m sure I have explained before, I work in a metal container which loves to soak up the heat from the sun.

Today, since I am in the container by myself I have opted for just one electric fan but I imagine after lunch if I'm not in town hunting down an electric fan for my bedroom I will have the door closed and the a/c on.

I decided this morning I need to purchase a fan for my bedroom after waking up at all hours of the night concerned that waking up in a sweat meant for sure I have malaria. Considering I don't have a headache, any stomach issues or muscle aches and the fact that it is HOT outside leads me to the conclusion that I wake up sweaty because I am hot. A fan will help me test this theory.

Everyday someone at work comments that the rains are coming. The rains are coming! Well, I think I will be happy if the rains are waiting for my sister and she can come clad in some cute rain boots while I am back in Canada.