The leaves fell. Well, some of the leaves fell. The crops were certainly harvested. The ground isn't white, unless you hit a particularly sandy spot. But, it certainly isn't green anymore.
Winter in the land of eternal summer is sort of silly really. It almost feels like time doesn't pass because I keep waiting for the summer to end. I suppose that is why "winter" doesn't really mean anything here.
So, I am sitting on my mat, enjoying Christmas butter cookies and sipping loose leaf tea on this chilly 80 degree morning. If I were a child it would probably be ideal: no school, summer weather and Christmas treats.
I am not so sure I am longing for snow, because it very well may kill me to be that cold. A cloudy day might be a welcome change. Believe it or not, blue skies do get old.
Aside from the obvious obligatory response of "loved ones" I think I miss the smell of the holidays. Warm beverages, pies, and pine trees. The cold clear breeze. Heavy blankets and layers of clothing. No matter what I stuff in my mouth, Christmas isn't Christmas without the smells and textures I am used to.
Instead, I'll be spending this Christmas--my last Peace Corps Christmas--under the sun with the elephants, baobabs and palm trees. I suppose it might be closer to the ones that Jesus was around for anyway. There were camels last year. Part of my house looks like a manger. I can wear foot-length (lavender) robes without standing out (anymore than usual, anyway). Maybe I don't live too far from Bethlehem, after all?
On the bright side:
I get to eat locally grown produce. Guavas are abundant. I am not exposed to any risk of getting frost bite. I don't have to wear any ugly sweaters.
Who needs a sled when I can snag a camel, anyway?
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Airtel Burkina Faso.
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