Winter Is Here

There are two seasons here in the sierra: summer and winter. Because of Cuenca’s altitude and Ecuador’s location on the equator, the average daily high is near 70˚ year-round. So, when Ecuadoreans use the term “winter,” they mean, “rain.” In Cuenca winter typically lasts from October to May with resurgences of dryness in December and January. This weekend is the first that it has truly rained since I got here. The locals blame this past dry October and any other irregularities in weather, no matter how slight, on cambio climático (climate change.)

The Tomebamba minus the river.

Previous to this bout of rain, the four rivers that run through Cuenca had almost dried up. These rivers not only serve as a source of water but also provide hydroelectric power for the city (and a place to do laundry for some!)  If the rain does not continue the city may begin rationing water and electricity.

Nonetheless, winter seems to be here for the moment, it has rained almost constantly for five days, and everyone has pulled out their winter coats. Cuencans can’t quite decide how they feel about all this rain. “Gracias a Dios,” they say, followed shortly by, “chachai!” “Thank God” and “it’s sooo cold!”