Is it really raining in London? (A Guide)

How much does it rain in London?

A lot. It rains a lot.

There are several degrees of rain. Let me guide you with these simple questions:

Q1: Are you squinting?

A: Yes! --> This may be because of the sun. If there is a bright spot in the sky, it is not raining. Wait about an hour and check again.

B: No. --> It's just overcast. Pack your umbrella.

Q2: Are the raindrops big enough that you're considering putting your smartphone away?

A: Yes. :( --> Put up your umbrella. It's raining!

B: Nah, I can still text --> This is normal drizzly stuff. Carry on. 

Q3: Have the drops gotten so big you're now concerned about your phone's warranty?

A: Yes :( --> It's raining. Shove that device in your pocket. You may now become aware of several *other* people on the sidewalk. These are fellow pedestrians. They will not hurt you, but will appreciate that you're now cognizant of giving way.

B: Nah, I can still text --> This is normal rainy stuff. Carry on. Find your umbrella maybe.

Q4: Have restaurant patrons moved inside from the sidewalk tables?

A: No, but they did put up their umbrellas. Does that count? --> Yes. It's kinda drizzling.

B: Yes, chairs are empty. --> Yup. Raining. 

Q5: Do you see raindrops in the streetlights?
A: Yes. --> Like, big ones? Or are you just being a sissy tourist?

B: Big ones. --> Congratulations, it's really raining!

Q6: Can you hear the squish of the shoes of the person behind you? 

A: UGH YES IT'S AWFUL --> It has just rained. Good luck drying your shoes. 

So, the answer is Yes. You should always have a small umbrella or a rain jacket with you. Even if it isn't raining now, it will be raining soon.

Londoners ready with our umbrellas!

Learning

So far, we have learned:

1. "First Floor Apartment" is code for "three flights of stairs".
2. Ellen is not sure where she packed her deodorant.
3. When making small talk, lead with the state, then city. ("Oh, you're from Kansas!" "No.")
4. Not even Starbucks makes a good iced latte. 
5. Always carry an umbrella.
6. Don't wear mesh running/tennis shoes.
7. The light fixture in our "receiving room" will blow a fuse if you leave it on too long.
8. In a tiny apartment, tidy habits go a long way for your sanity. 
9. If the dishwasher detergent states, "do not unwrap" the tablet, it is lying.

Acclimating - Part One

I just ate a meat pie while drinking Earl Grey (hot) while staring out the window at a rainy London day.

Londoner Level 1: Unlocked.

#30DaysOfBiking Days 1 & 2

Two relatively light days, due to schedule constraints and weather. Boo on you, rain (but don't go away because the region needs you)!

April 1:

My ride to the streetcar public comments, which had already ended but who cares when you get to ride a bike!

April 2:

I am invincible with rain boots and fenders.

Hold on to that Fee-lay-ee-ay-ing (#17 - Caught in the Rain)

One of my favorite memories will always be of my novio and me walking across a boardwalk at SeaWorld in the rain singing Journey while my sister peers back at us from under her umbrella as if we have finally cracked.

That's right - I got caught out in the rain and had no choice but to like it. So we had fun!

My amazingly energetic sister had a full day planned for us at SeaWorld when we visited her back in June. As in, a full TWELVE HOURS of shows to watch, dolphins to feed, penguins to meet, sting rays to pet, rides to ride and Shamus to spray us with their massive tails. It was a tight schedule, not helped by our tardiness from staying with friends 40 minutes away and rolling out of bed late.

We had already watched, fed, met, pet, and ridden through to the afternoon when the rain moved it. (We later learned that Florida, similar to Hawaii or other island nations, generally gets rain showers in the afternoon.) This day it poured. We watched a show from under the awning of the theatre (the trainers and animals are already wet - they perform as long as there isn't lightning!) and by the end the water was easily 7 inches deep at the floor of the stands. Lots. Of. Rain.

But Shamu started soon and he was the last thing on our list of things to do! It was either wait longer and possibly miss the show or suck it up, take our shoes off and go for it. Oh, except for Martha - she had an umbrella big enough for one. (To her credit, she tried to share... but umbrellas are difficult!)

Halfway down the boardwalk Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" comes on over the speakers. And I'll be darned if I didn't take a dance break right there with dramatic arm movements, air guitar and screaming/singing noises. Novio even joined in, and we had a nice little moment in the rain.

Lesson learned: It's definitely worth it to spend some time in the rain if you're with the right people. And if you take your shoes off.

Progress Report (of sorts...) For #17 - Get caught in the rain...enjoy it!

The weather lately has been especially grey (gray? I can't ever remember...) and it makes me mopey. It reminded me of #17 - Get caught in the rain and instead of getting mad, run around and enjoy it!

However, I've realized two things:

One. I don't like rain. I barely even like being wet. (Swimming not included in this statement.)
Two. It's impossible to plan for this.