Dancing in the rain

In Namibia, the arrival of the rainy season is a cause for celebration – as put by an American visitor, Namibians are a funny lot. Whereas most of the globe curse when it rains, and then hide indoors, the arrival of rain in Namibia is a sure way to get Namibians outdoors and shouting with joy.

For Namibians a good downpour is like liquid sunshine and what adds to the festivities is the fact that the showers offers something for all the senses – sight, touch, hearing, taste and most of all, smell.

Paul van Schalkwyk.

It’s something one can barely describe, this smell of the dry ground being soaked in watery goodness.

Others jump into their cars and head to the nearest dry river beds, eager to see the first waters ooze over the thick, dry sand.

For the next few days, offices, cafe’s and facebook updates are abuzz with rain stories. Yes, it’s easy to spot a Namibian. Just show them some rain, and watch their reaction.

And the good news is, the thundershowers which have filled up water meters in the north of Namibia for the past week, has finally spread south.

Namibian weather forecaster Olga Tjiueza today said that things are looking promising. Already you can hear the sigh’s of relief and excitement weaving it’s way through the office – even at the weather bureau.

Kuiseb River in flood. Paul van Schalkwyk.

By tomorrow, Friday the 2nd of November, thundershowers are expected not only in the north, but also in the central and south-eastern parts of the country.

This liquid relief is expected to last until Monday, when the skies will start to clear again.

But, although the thundershowers might be confined to the north-western areas for the first few days next week, one thing is for sure, the rainy season has begun, and everyone, from the city slicker to the farmer, from the office worker to the runner, from young to old, will rejoice.

See more Paul van Schalkwyk foto’s here:

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