Rainy Season in Nicaragua equals one of two seasons. That´s right…two seasons. The seasons in the tropics are dominated by the movement of the tropical rain belt, which oscillates from the northern to the southern tropics over the course of the year, thus causing the dry season and the wet season in turn. The tropical rain belt lies in the southern hemisphere roughly from October to March, and during this time the southern tropics experience a wet season, in which rain is common. From April to September, the rain belt lies in the northern hemisphere, and the northern tropics, like Nicaragua, experience their wet season.*
Rainy season in Nicaragua equals colder weather. Let me qualify that – colder according to Nicaraguan standards. We’re talking about a midday temperature in the 80’s, and a nightly temperature in the 70’s. It is not unusual to see Nicaraguans in sweaters at night. I, on the other hand, am absolutely relishing the moment, sticking to my shorts and T-shirt, praying that this cool air somehow becomes permanently cemented to my body. In the beginning, adjusting to 90-something degree weather without air conditioning was quite the challenge, but I’m starting to learn that comfort with temperature, like most other things, is relative. I find myself sleeping more soundly than ever, even abandoning my fan at times.
Rainy season in Nicaragua equals big fat drops of rain. The rain pounds my aluminum roof, generating such noise that it drowns out the falling branches and fruit I normally hear during the night. Most of the time, I find it quite soothing to listen to the variety of cadences. But my actual room bears the brunt of what my sleep does not. For example, I never knew I had a leak in my roof until rainy season started. Luckily, the leak is in my bathroom, far away from my sleeping area. Otherwise, I’d have a real problem. The water that builds up and drips along the side of my wall, however, is a bit puzzling. But here is my question: If it is not affecting anything in my room, most specifically me, is there really a cause for alarm?
Rainy season in Nicaragua equals insects. Lots and lots of insects. More often than not I am spastically reactive, slapping my legs, feet, and back to kill the ants that gnaw at my body. You know that feeling – when something mysterious is crawling on you. On a brighter note, I have done a decent job of fighting off the onslaught of Palmetto roaches, and sometimes even find myself reasoning with them. At first I was taking these rodents out left and right…for how could one possibly go to sleep while giant rodents roam around the room? But after so many incidences, I started feeling bad for taking out these innocent creatures. I know it sounds crazy, but there are only so many insects, roaches, or worms one can kill before some sort of sympathy kicks in. Just last week I actually found myself sweeping out some worms that had built a home on my wall. The roaches, meanwhile, are gradually earning my sympathy.
Rainy season in Nicaragua equals flooding. During my first experience in the rain, which lasted approximately five minutes while I was in a video store, the water level on the street noticeably rose to a point where I was forced to lift my jeans to keep them dry. And this was from a five minute storm. Luckily, my street does not appear to have draining problems thus far. In fact, it passed a major test during last week’s tropical storm. But the surrounding areas, unfortunately, are not so lucky. Most people find themselves trapped inside their homes, surrounded by knee-to-waist water levels, unable to exit. That is assuming the water has not spilled into their homes already.
Rainy season, generally speaking, equals danger for many in the emerging world. Just consider the infrastructure alone, and the ability to combat natural disaster. It all seems simple when you’re tucked away in your house, and you are certain your walls will hold. Fortunately, I have the comfort of my cement walls and aluminum roof to take cover. But upsetting to think that those who don’t have that comfort aren’t but a few blocks away.
*Factual Information in Paragraph 1 quoted from Wikipedia.com
