Saturday, March 31, 2012

Spring is here, yet everything remains the same

One of the great details about GTMO is the climate. You either love it or hate it. It's warm during the winter months, sometimes hitting the 90s mid day and warmer in the summer months. I'd like to say we have a tropical climate but to call it tropical we'd have to experience rain once in a while. It has been at least five months since the last true rainfall. It is so dry that Public Works has suspended the few lawn watering days we had to no watering at all. The crazy thing is that if you look at the distant mountain range that surrounds us you can see the rain and the clouds building up, it just doesn't quite make it to this side.

March 21st was the first day of spring and it rained for about three seconds. Everything remains the same. It's windy but the temp is pretty steady year round, changing throughout the day. On the bright side, no rain means no mosquitoes and I'm ok with that for a while. It's nice to sit outside and enjoy a nice afternoon without the use of mosquitoe repellant.

At night there's a comforting breeze that sometimes forces me to wear a light jacket...feels great. In the early morning hours we have perfect running, walking, biking weather or sit out back with your coffee weather. Here you won't find the changing seasons, instead a very predictable climate which you quickly learn to embrace.

2 comments:

  1. Terrie,
    Thank you so much for your blog. My family will be stationed there next year and I have learned so much from you.

    I have some questions:
    Is there anything that you wish that you brought with you?
    How is the selection on fresh produce?
    Are there any resources that made your move easier?

    Thanks,
    Mary

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  2. Mary - thank you for visiting my blog. There's not enough information out there for families coming here and I think it's important to have something to hold onto and to look forward to. I'm glad to be of help.

    Is there anything that you wish that you brought with you?
    --I have been asked this question before and I really can't think of anything, except maybe a few light jackets or sweaters for those cool nights at the movies or on a boat. You really feel it once you've been here a while. What I have told others with kids is to bring shoes and clothing one size larger for future wear because, depending on the child, you can't always find what you need at our store, however, you can order just about anything online and get it within 10 days or so.

    How is the selection on fresh produce?
    Our produce is "fresh to us" but certainly not fresh from the ground, unfortunately. We live in a very dry climate. Right now everything is brown, very few plants remain green and all that will change but it's been while with no rain and fresh water is costly. That said, they do a pretty good job flying in produce. Occasionally hit or miss with some off-season fruits but for the most part, a good selection. We do have days when they flight is delayed by a day or two and we have to wait for our product - it is what it is!

    Are there any resources that made your move easier?
    Resources? Not sure what you mean. Can you expand on this question? One of the things they offer here and no where else is temporary furniture and kitchen items while you wait for your household goods to arrive. Beats living in a hotel indefinitely. It helps to have some favorite kitchen items packed in the express shipment - you'll get that shipment first.

    Please feel free to email me at yirabella(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll do my best to answer all your questions.

    Thanks.

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