Signs of Real Spring in the Land of Eternal Spring

According to a study by National Geographic, Lake Chapala area boasts the second best climate in the world.  Where is #1 is the obvious question.  Nairobi, Kenya claims that spot, but since that isn't a very desirable location for other reasons, many Canadians and Americans have relocated to this area known for its eternal spring.  However, I notice a difference in the past month as spring really is upon us, according to the calendar.  I love all the blooming trees, but my favourite is the Jacaranda.

We became acquainted with these trees for the first time when we lived in Buenos Aires, and the city seemed to turn purple when spring arrived (in September of course).  The painting below has had a prominent place in our home for the past 10 years.  Its location is beside the cathedral in San Isidro, just a few blocks from our home, but the tree reminds us of the one just outside our own gate there.

Like the painting above, the blossoms here are now beginning to drop as the Jacaranda trees turn green, and the streets are covered in a purple blanket.  But "to everything there is a season" and now the Primavera trees are beginning to shine in vibrant yellow.  This is Brian's favourite tree in bloom.  He first came to know this tree as the national tree of Venezuela, although there it is called an Araguaney tree.