The rains came early this year.

By Gabi Elkaim
September 30, 2009 - The rains came early this year. Always when I leave for a brief stint on the outside, transformation seems to take place. Only 2 weeks ago we were remarking that the first of the Jacarandas had begun to bloom, and now blankets of purple hang over the streets that have been repot-holed by the ravaging rains, and when you drive over the blanket, lavender-coloured powder seems to be lifted behind the car like mauve exhaust fumes. Everywhere is purple, everything has transformed. And still the men stand there, unsustainably filling up the holes in the road with mud and sand, hoping for a tip from the passing cars… until the next rains come and their hard work is all swept away in an instant… or until a few days have passed, and enough cars have travelled this path to warrant them doing the same job yet again.

And like the jacarandas, I too have been hibernating, only to be inspired by the carpets of purple that make the day poetic, even when the sky is grey. And despite the impending approach of early October, the days are cold, and the rain comes and goes, and they warn the people of Matabeleland to hurry and plant early. Yesterday we had a bolt of lightning strike an electricity pole at the house, and I dashed into the center of the house, lest a tree from outside come hurtling down. Though I couldn’t help myself from peering out the window, as rainbow fire raced up and down the electrical lines, and the lights shimmied on and off in the house, and a bolt struck the ground by the far end of the swimming pool… and it was terrifying and exciting and mesmerizing, all at the same time. And then it was over, just as quickly as it had started.

I went to see 2 French musicians last night, Francois Salque, a cellist, and Vincent Peirani, an accordionist… testament to the fact that Bulawayo does still happen, that despite all the moans and groans about village life, the odd spectacle does reach us, though too few lap it up. Perhaps it’s easier to complain.



And so I remain in Bulawayo, without intention of leaving any time soon, and like the seasons, life plods on. And so we live in the meantime, and we keep doing what we’re doing, and we wait for odd occasions, and perhaps too passively for transformation… And we still stand in line for unacceptable hours at the city council, and our bills still cost too much. And currently the phone lines are not working, and all internet is down in the country unless one uses a satellite connection. And the power cuts continue… but so do we… and sometimes it’s simply necessary to be patient for that lavender inspiration, for forcing it will not change a thing.

Thinking of you all... even though my updates have been sporadic,

- Gabi xxx

For updates 1-8, go to:

http://www.gabielkaim.com/return-to-africa-2009.html