Postscript

When you think of Africa, do you think hot? With much of the continent laying between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, that may seem logical, but elevation plays a huge role in temperature, even if you are sitting on the equator.

Nairobi is at an elevation of 5000 ft (about a mile high), and is located just below the equator. June 21 marked the beginning of our winter season, and it is cold. No big heavy jackets needed, but we have been wearing sweaters and flannels. (Jeff is still often in short-sleeves, but he is occasionally wearing sweaters. Even he’s wrapping up in a blanket whenever we’re at home.) The temperature has been in the 50s and 60s F with a more comfortable mid-70s F sometimes in the middle of the day.

That may not sound that cold, but most buildings don’t have central heating or air conditioning because generally not needed. However, our office buildings and our house are made of concrete and stone, and they retain the cold. Its often felt colder inside than outside. That’s great in the summer, but right now it makes us feel chilly inside. Our small electric space heater can warm a limited area. We’re glad that we brought sufficient blankets and warm clothing!

North of Nairobi in higher elevations it can be even colder. There is sometimes an occasional light snow, and Mount Kenya, which is almost right on the equator, has snow on it all year.

Be Sociable, Share!

•