It is refreshing to see that it has been raining regularly again in Curacao. Over the last year or so, Curacao has seen little rain which has meant less plant growth for the island. Normally, Curacao experiences a dry period between the months of March and September and a rainy season between October and February. But over the last year there was almost no rain during the so-called rainy season.

But finally there have been continuous rain showers, falling in spurts throughout the day. Although the climate is most predictable in a place like Curacao, a burst of some well-needed rain, during what was supposed to be the dry season, is just what the locals on the island were waiting for. I’m happy to say that my garden is back to normal and I can smell the sweet scents of my flowers and freshly trimmed plants again.

Looking out of my kitchen window I can see the brilliance of green all around. Just a few months ago it was the complete opposite. The trees looked as if they were slumped over and lacked their natural green colour. On the other hand, the thorny bushes seemed to keep their colour and were still considered as perching spots for the still very lively yellow-crested parakeets.

I would notice many birds scrounging around for some kind of liquid to sip on whether it was out of a leaky outdoor faucet or from the pipe of an air conditioning unit. During the very long dry period I would leave a plate of water outside every day for the birds and hoped that my cats would not think of them as their next meal.

Throughout this long period of drought, I watched in dismay as the fronds of my neighbour’s old and magnificent coconut palm fell to the ground. It was hard at first to see years of care and maintenance for the tree go to waste. I too also parted with my banana trees as did this same neighbour. We both discussed it together and hoped that the rain would return some time soon. I’m certain there were many similar conversations had by various other people throughout the island.

I was pleased that when I returned from my 2-week vacation to Europe last week, where it was quite grey and rainy, that to my surprise my yard was a over-grown. I wasn’t missing the rain as much as I had before I left for my trip but nevertheless it is a fortunate thing for all of Curacao. I’m sure the landscapers and gardeners of Curacao are quite pleased with the sudden change in climate, as are the farmers and agriculturists.

And for all those sun bathers out there, do not fret. There are always sunny breaks from the intermittent rainy periods. Although the rain pours very hard, you can see it coming from a mile so you have plenty of time to take cover in a nearby bar or restaurant, where you may happen to stumble upon a good game of football/soccer playing on a big screen. If that’s not your cup of tea, wait about 10 minutes under some kind of cover and most of the time the sky will clear up and the sun will re-appear in its usual position, at which point you may once again return to your original position.

I do hope that this rainy climate continues to provide the island with some of nature’s best medicine. It helps to cool the ground, in turn cooling the air, which can become quite hot during this time of year. Besides the rampant multiplication of mosquitoes during this time, I am optimistic that the more the rain means the better the island lifestyle: less sunburns, less sweatiness, more opportunities to exercise outdoors and garden, and more fruit!

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