Autumn in Kinshasa

What?! That's crazy talk. Indeed, because there is no fall in the Congo. There is hot and humid and hotter and more humid. I believe that is the actual technical term for the seasons, but in french (which sounds much fancier) it would be chaud et humide and plus chaud et humide. It is currently the hotter and more humid season in Kinshasa. It rains fairly regularly right now, and I will admit the thunderstorms are pretty awesome. Fun fact: the village of Kifuka in eastern Congo is the site of the most lightning strikes per year. I also like that I can lay by the pool all year round (when it is not raining). I have a great tan right now.

There are, however, some downsides to no Autumn. No leaves changing color. Only palm trees and mango trees and other trees I don't know. No reason to wear sweaters. I really have a fabulous fall/winter wardrobe and my favorite clothing item of all time are opaque black tights, which aren't suitable for the climate here (although tights probably would protect me from the predatory mosquitoes and black flies). No pumpkin things readily available. I love pumpkin things: pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin ale. I could go on. Yes, I can make pumpkin pie, but it's not the same when it's 95 degrees outside. There is no Starbucks in Congo, so a pumpkin spice latte (and man, I am missing the Christmas drinks too, gingerbread latte, yum-o) is just a distant memory.  Football is on at weird times. So, the best thing about AFN is that there is at least live football. But it's a six hour time difference (yes, I will always be able to find something to complain about) so the first game doesn't come on till 7pm on Thanksgiving day. Lame. I am supposed to have stuffed myself with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce (the canned kind is the best) by half time and then spend the rest of the day lying on the couch and preparing a game plan for Black Friday. And that leads me to the final nail in the coffin: No Black Friday. I love getting up at 3am to stand in line and talk big game about how I am going to knock people down to get the Dyson pet vacuum as soon as Target opens its doors. It's like a sport, and I love sports and competing. And winning. Now, I am going to have deal with a slow internet connection on Cyber Monday.

*There are no pictures because there is nothing fall to show. *tear*