I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. For those of you familiar with the Pacific Northwest, you’ll know that it rains here more often than not. Vancouver is constantly under the cover of grey clouds, threatening to explode at any moment, and make driving around the city a right pain. One year, it rained for a month straight. Carrying around extra pairs of socks became standard. We all came together under mutual sympathy for wet trouser bottoms and upturned umbrellas. Umbrella etiquette was at the very highest that I’ve seen it in all my years living in this city. I’d imagine windshield wiper sales must have gone through the roof that year.
Despite most of the complaining about the inconvenience of rain and how one is perpetually cold, I learned to appreciate it. There is something satisfyingly cleansing about it as rivulets run down the pavement and washes away the muck and mud of yesterday.
You step through puddles and try to dodge the very deepest ones. It makes you appreciate that warm cup of cocoa and flannel pajamas that much more when you get home.
The rain brings to us all the good things, and nourishes the world around us. We often forget that as we try and manage our way down the streets, huffing and puffing and trying to manage wet folders and purses and oversized umbrellas, while turning into a community of California Raisins right before our very own eyes (minus the deep voices and awesome sunglasses). Those days you enjoy walking in he park? Yes, those are brought to you courtesy of the rain.
I don’t mind the rain because, in the end, it makes me appreciate the sun a lot more.
Appreciative Revolutionary: Mehnaz Thawer (@mehnazt)
Bio: Mehnaz Thawer is a twenty-something from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a Master of Arts degree in International Studies. She loves running, music, literature and photography among other things. You can find her personal blog at Speak Softly and Carry a Red Pen
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cappuccino
I appreciate Mehnaz’ dedication to family, pride in her country, and willingness to listen!
