Change of seasons in the desert

Autumn is nearly over here in the sandpit. Soon our air conditioners will be switched over to heaters to warm the cold tiled buildings. Pupils are now wearing winter uniforms to school and the International Award expeditions begin this weekend (it always rains during the Bronze desert hike!).
We've had a couple of early sprinkles of rain, just enough to break the humidity and a couple of electric storms, that try hard to be as aggressive as their African sisters but just don't quite have the wow factor. But, the real tale-tale sign that winter is arriving in the desert...

First world signs in a developing country.

surprises, breaking-up and looking forward.

My 3BT. Things that have given me pleasure today:

• Finding sweet notes and messages in surprising places; the fridge, the tin of tea and in my purse when paying the bill.
• "Have a good holiday, see you in 13 days", I say to my class as they walk out the door. Holiday!!!
• Apparently the rains have arrived in Kenya. It may not last long, but for now it is cold and wet. It is so hot in Kampala today. I am so looking forward to a time I can put on a pair of tights and my never-been-work Chie Mihara boots. Eeek!

3 beautiful things that I miss

To-go, layers and cold cheeks

• This morning,as I licked my foam from my cappuccino at school (...yes, that is right, we have a morning cafe at our school...  pancakes and cappuccinos, catered by our sister 'health' club), a friend commented how she missed Starbucks. There are times; like the report writing period, when I dream of lattes to-go! I bet the red cups are now back for another Winter. The words "now, now" (often used here to speed things up, but has the same effect as 'inshallah') spring to mind! 

• I am spending lots of time finding super cute boutiques online that have soft woolen layers. As I can't buy anything for myself, I share these lovely online shops with friends. I often bring a soft cardigan into school-the pretty things just decorate my chairs!

• Don't you love it when someone gets in touch with you out of the blue? This happened to me yesterday, and it got me thinking a bit about home. I know I would probably hate the dark days of Winter, after a week, if I went back to Scotland.  Especially in January, when all the Christmas lights have been taken down. But I miss the cold! Wearing soft leather boots and layers, walking with the wind biting at my cheeks, thankful for the steaming mug and friend that waits for me in Starbucks!

It is sunny today!