Purple Rain

I forgot to mention my favorite thing about Johannesburg -- the jacaranda trees! I arrived in time to see them in full bloom!! They're big, beautiful trees that at the beginning of summer (now), are covered with a beautiful purple flower -- the entire trees are this stunning plum color. Mixed in among other bright green trees, and with the solid blue sky behind, they're just breathtaking. And they rain down a shower of purple petals to color the sidewalks and streets. I get the impression the annual blooms are somewhat like the cherry blossoms each Spring in DC. The jacaranda are past their peak today (the rains earlier in the week took many of the petals down), but what a treat to be welcomed to Joberg with their purple blooms!