Marvelous Monsoon

Watching the weather segment of BBC World, I am informed that "the Monsoon has come early to many parts of Southern India and Sri Lanka". No kidding.

Since Saturday, the torpid heat has been replaced by a tumultuous, ever-changing maelstrom of showers, winds and lightning. For those of us of European stock it is quite a relief after the last couple of months.

Our apartment is up high and looks out over the famous Galle Face Green to the ocean (don't get excited, there's a 4 lane thoroughfare, squillions of people and myriads of rubbish also in this picture). We sit in the safety of our living room with our backs to the TV, watching the storms roll in. From about 15 mins away (DY help me out here - how far would that be?) we can see the sky turn black, and this squally mess approaching. The countdown begins for real. 10 mins away and the windows start shaking due to the strength of the wind. I get up to make sure the balcony door is locked. 5 mins away and the rain pounds down onto the glass, and the lightning bolts strafe the air. BLASTOFF, it hits, and we can literally see nothing except this white swirling dervish of cloud. We can hear the rain but can't see it, and the wind sounds like a mini-tornado.

This sensation only lasts for about 15 mins, and as soon as it has arrived, blows out again. This happens several times a day, and leaves me exhilarated every time - I feel like one of those thrill-seekers that chase tornadoes!!! Hardly, but it is wild, wild, weather and to be rejoiced in in a primeaval sort of way.