SUMMER- I'll start with this, because it's just beginning for us. It starts around March and last through June. The temperature can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That may sound normal to many of you, but keep in mind, we don't get to survive it with central air conditioning. In fact, we are among the minority in India because we have small window units in our bedrooms. We don't run them all day because they do crazy things to the electricity bill! We try to survive with fans during the day and sleep with the AC at night.
There are a few tell-tell signs that Summer has arrived. Small ants will start showing up throughout homes. They seem to like bathrooms and kitchens most. Also, you'll start to notice a "glow" on every face. This "glow" is mainly sweat and oil from enduring the high temps all day. I find it rather unbecoming on myself, but there seems to be no cure! In addition, you may notice a haze in the sky. Due to the dry air, heat, and lack of rain (not a drop), the dust seems to roam, looking for a safe place to land. Unfortunately, those sweaty, oily faces are a perfect home for the dust! That is why my child looks like this at the end of most days!
The best way to experience this season for yourself would be to turn your hairdryer on high and put your face directly in front of it. Throw in some body odor from others around you, and you have India in a nutshell!
MONSOON- We walked right into Monsoon Season when we moved to India. The most recognizable characteristic is that it seriously rains almost every single day. I'd honestly never seen anything like it. The rain holds off the entire year and releases its fury during the months of June to September. The amount of rainfall determines the water conditions for India for the coming year. Good rainfall means adequate water for people, but low rainfall will lead to water deficits all over India.
The rain is a welcome sight and many people dance and play at the start of it, because they have waited so long for it. It helps to wash away some of the dust that has covered India, but it causes its own share of problems.
With the rain comes humidity that is off the charts. Damp houses, rain, and humidity can only mean one thing... MOLD! And it will grow anywhere- outside and inside. It'll grow on walls, on wet shoes, moist clothes... anywhere! I haven't dealt with it like some of our friends have, but I know my day is coming! Those sporadic ants that could be seen in Summer are replaced with entire armies. Cleaning, spraying, and killing do little to control their invasion. It's important to become comfortable with them early in the season as they stick around for quite a while!
Laundry also suffers at the hand of the rains. Since we don't have a dryer, we hang our clothes on a line to dry. The rains come when you least expect them so being able to dart in and out of rain while grabbing clothes is a necessary skill. Otherwise, you'll find yourself washing the same load of clothes SEVERAL times. But even when you miss the rains, you'll likely find that your clothes will not EVER completely dry, leaving a mildew smell on everything you wash. I've learned not to smell clothes during monsoon season!
POST-MONSOON- This season is less noticeable that the others. It doesn't have any special qualities and it probably gets lost amongst the others. The temps are still hot, but the rain stops and the humidity goes with it. You'll notice the temperatures start to gradually decrease and before you know it, you'll be able to go outside without risking your life. The mold will start to recede and my hair will finally be straight and smooth! It'll last until November where we welcome what is best known as Winter.
WINTER- Don't get your hopes us... it's not what you think. There is no snow, and water will never freeze. But it does get cool. The coolest place is not outside though- it's inside your house. Our houses are made of concrete and the floors have marble/tile on them. The combination of these two creates a very cold home. We actually go outside to warm up. We don't own a heater, but it's not because I haven't begged for one! Jason could be found like this often last winter.
By January, we actually wear long-sleeves and pants, which surprised me a little. But somehow before I know it, we are right back where we started with summer, sweating our rear-ends off!
We are learning to appreciate each season for it's positive qualities and learning to adapt and regroup to survive the negative qualities. Some are more difficult to deal with than others, but they all work together to create the climate of India. How cool is it that God put His fingerprint on EVERY place in the world... right down to different seasons for each individual place!
"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:21
Hi Sarah! It is Peggy Hobby (your mom's vet). I am sooo glad to see you back on the blogging trail. Saw your mom this am (w/Otis)told her I check everyday....just hoping you were back! Enjoying it!
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