When faced with the prospect of getting wet on the way to someplace, and actually have to go there and stay wet, my mind just insists on coming up with avoidance policies. Any way I can is valid, there is nothing quite as disgusting, in my opinion, as dirty and wet boots that squelch every time you take a step. My perpetually cold toes shiver even thinking about it, let alone living it. Thank you (not) Ireland for showing me this (not at all) delightful feeling.
So....what are ways to avoid getting wet? Perhaps I should just straight-out ask a cat, but instead I thought up a list:
- The traditional method when you have nothing else: running into a store/other random place for shelter and wait for the rain to pass. Hey, at least it keeps your nice clothes from getting ruined.
Whatever works. Bus shelters are so convenient in times like these.
2. A handy-dandy newspaper. Though of course, it´s only a temporary shield. You don´t want to end up with wet paper in your hair!
3. Rain boots. They keep your feet nice and dry!! They used to be available in only one color: ugly. Now that they´ve become fashionable, you can get yours in any size and/or shape! (even high-heeled water boots, to my surprise).
4. Rain bonnets. I first came across these in Ireland. They won´t keep your clothes dry, but at least your hair won´t be wet!!
5. Level up! Rain ponchos: widely regarded as an item that should only be limited to water rides in theme parks, this evolved version of the rain bonnet actually keeps you (pretty much) dry.
The invisible man never goes anywhere without his bright yellow poncho, as you can see.
6. Raincoats. While not (necessarily) a level up in coverage from rain, your average raincoat is a level up from a poncho in the sense of style. Raincoats actually have a shape and can evern boast a nice design.
These are some seriously cute raincoats.
7. Umbrellas. Who doesn´t own one? Or two? Or three? Portable or not-so-portable; sober black to wacky rainbow shades; one-person or multiple-person.....there are umbrellas for all kinds of people and situations. Well, no. Just one situation: rain. They´re great, but if it´s rainy and more than just a bit windy, you´ve got a problem.
This umbrella is lovely; it´s printed with one of my favorite paintings: "Starry Night" by Van Gogh.
Out of all the choices, I personally prefer the raincoat (one with a hood) and rainboots to keep myself nice and dry. However, this is the Age of the Umbrella. You barely see any raincoats anymore (at least in Spain), which is kinda sad. Perhaps now that rainboots are back in style--I´ve seen several of my students wearing some today alone, when two years ago I wouldn´t have--the raincoat, its natural companion, will also return.
All I know is that I own a yellow raincoat (My school gave it to me on a sailing trip as part of the school uniform, hahaha) and am planning on buying some yellow rainboots to match--and I want to wear them soon. Will I have a chance? Probably. Even though I live in sunny Spain, we do get rain. Occasionally. Eventually. Hey, clouds, come back here!! Don´t leave now that I´ve started considering taking out the rain gear!!
Does it rain a lot in your country? What´s your preferred method of keeping the rain off you?
