if nothing else, the weather was good

ive been checking the forecast in kaedi, scoping out the climate, comparing and contrasting to weather chez moi. for example, todays high and low in kaedi: 115 and 79, respectively. in cincinnati today, it has yet to top 70, will likely hover around 80 for a high. allow me to illustrate this concept in made up computer speak:

max (kaedi) = 115
min (kaedi) = 79

now (cincy) = 69

now (cincy) < min (kaedi)

ill not belabor this point, other than to share the sentiment of certain unmentionable people¹: "mauritania wont be that bad, humidity is worse than dry heat." they conveniently ignore the fact that the human brain cooks at 106 degrees.²

...i plan to combat homesickness by recalling the smell of rain...

impending cranial fricassee notwithstanding, i have thoroughly enjoyed recent cincinnati weather. monday evenings stormy sunset was spectacular, with menacing wall clouds, unnaturally inky skies, and eventually a violent downpour.³ lazy sprinkles have since spattered the city, in sympathy (or mockery) of my droughty desert destination. i appreciate the precipitation, though, and will try desperately to solidify my olfactory memories; i plan to combat homesickness by recalling the smell of rain.

as an unrelated post script to this meteorological entry: friends and family constantly prod for updates, such as are you packed? ready? scared? excited? innoculated yet? going to come home at all? the answers, in order are not even close; sure; nah; not really since excitement is another side of the scared coin; not till i get in country; and maybe, if only to visit my dentist (sorry mom).

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1: my dear friend f was added to the list of unmentionables as i was typing this entry. yep, its never too late to achieve internet fame. or defame. and yes, thats now a noun.

2: ok, so it doesnt actually cook... but i wouldnt taunt coma-worthy temperatures.

3: still looking for photos of this stormy display (06-19-06) - let me know if you find some?