Springtime in Africa

Jacarnda

Yes, I am still here.  I haven't been motivated to add anything to the stories Ken has shared with you.  However, I now have been inspired!  It is Springtime in Africa.   

The Jacaranda Purple Haze across Iringa.  See the grain elevators

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As you know, it is the opposite season here in Tanzania than in Minnesota.  While we were anxiously awaiting the warmth of June, July and August, the Tanzanians were digging out what outerwear they possess and layering  it to keep them from the bitter cold!  Ha, I say.  They don't know what cold is!  But I know that it is relative.  I did find the nights cool and the wind biting in July and August.  

 However, in the last few weeks I have had to put away my heavier pajamas in favor of something cooler. I dug out what few  (three , in fact) short sleeve tops I brought with me to wear on the days that we are out walking to the market.  The sun is coming up in a higher spot in the window and in the morning hits Ken in the face instead of me. It is lighter longer in the evening.  

I can leave my vests and jackets home during the day and some evenings.  It feels just like Spring at home.  Things are greening (still almost no rain) and the flowering trees and shrubs are in their glory. 

Jacaranda flutes

Speaking of flowering, Ken and I took a drive on Sunday afternoon around the city of Iringa to look at the jacaranda trees that have come into bloom.  It is such a beautiful sight.  This is the third time I have been to Tanzania at this time of the year and it is really lovely.  These trees line the main road running through town and it feels like a tunnel of lavender.  When you look down on the city from some of the higher vistas, it is like a purple haze.  We took many pictures.  

 We also took pictures of shrubs and plantings around some of the homes near us.   There are hibiscus shrubs with their showy flowers in the medians of the road.  There are poinsettia trees in many of the landscaped yards.  Color is everywhere.  

Bougain-something

The bougainvillea which we buy as small hanging plants are huge shrubs here covered with gorgeous flowers of every shade you can imagine, sometimes all on the same bush. We even noticed a tall tree up the street where the bougainvillea vines had climbed up to the crown of the tree and the whole top of the tree was covered in flowers.

It is a hard for me to imagine what the transition from this time of year here to the end of the summer at home will be like.  One of my friends emailed that Fall is definitely in the air.  

 

Bougainvillea and more

  And I was just excited to feel the warmth coming.  Hmmm...may take some getting used to.  But Fall has always been my favorite time of year.  I love back to school, Homecoming and football games.  I love to watch the leaves turn and to be part of a climate where we can fully experience all seasons.  Save some of that magic for me!! We will be home soon.

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