Jacarandas in Bloom

October is said to be the hottest month in Malawi, the time before the rains fall in November. The heat is somewhat unbearable, dry, and the landscape is arid. The roads have turned to dust, raising a permanent cloud of dirt in the air. Occasional whirlwinds blow through and by mid-afternoon I try not to leave my house. Though it is much hotter by the lakeshore, central and southern regions, it is still relatively hotter than normal in Rumphi. In fact between the hours of about 10am to 5pm it’s so hot that one doesn’t feel like doing much of anything other than stay inside, drink water, and nap. Few more weeks, almost through.

There are some positive attributes to October in Malawi. Papayas are plentiful and mangos are only weeks away from ripening. Once mango season is in full swing we will commence the gastrointestinal symphony of sickness from this delicious fruit: jams, dried, pickles and wine. On a side note, achaar is a popular condiment in Malawi. I discovered that much like most things in Malawi (mangoes included), achaar was introduced to Malawi by the Indian community and became quite popular. You can see it sold in the markets and local shops.

Also, the jacarandas are flowering. These beautiful lavender flowered trees line the streets of Malawi’s cities and they are a mesmerizing sight contrasted against the dry, dead, backdrop of October heat. The bougainvilleas are also in full bloom, providing an accent of bright rouge complimenting the lavender of the jacarandas. These trees were barren for most of the time we have been in Malawi, opposing the abundant greenery after the rains. But now, while all the other plants are parched for cloudy skies the jacarandas are in full bloom.