Rainy season, soccer

Posted on March 9, 2016 Updated on March 9, 2016

Weather report. Last year, we worked in January and February which was the short dry season here. It rained only a few times towards the end of our stay. Arriving in March this year meant we would hit the rainy season and we’ve had a few torrential rains and a number of others shorter bursts. The hard rains have come at night, including last night.

Those of us who remember fondly waking up to sound of rain on the roof must have either our memories or ears checked out. It is LOUD and a little disconcerting waking up to the shock and awe of this kind of rainstorm.

While needed, the rain came a day early. Today we start putting the new roof back on the school, having finished the framing repairs. That means a fair amount of sweeping out the puddles in the classrooms where we work.

The Gabonese talk about a drought this year, part of what could be the El Niño effects.

One more weather comment. The rain usually comes on the heels of a brutally hot, sunny day. So hot yesterday that we all broke for four hours in the middle of the day to escape the worst of the sun.

Oh, and yes, there was a soccer game on Sunday between the two villages where we are working, Sam and Doumandzou. John played for two minutes and then took over referee duties. As this photo shows, it was a fast-paced game with the referee looking in the wrong direction too many times. It was a hard fought game but ended with cheers and handshakes. There’s a dispute over the score but probably best to call it a tie.