Would You Rather Wednesday!
Rain. We've all been on vacation, had a great day ahead planned and had it ruined by rain. Richard and I are teachers so we need to do most of our travelling during the summer. Often that means that places are extremely hot and busy, but it can also mean RAIN. In Southeast Asia the summer months are often marked with monsoons. Monsoons mean intense rain, severe heat, and at times a looming hurricane or even typhoon. Since we know rain is not preventable, then let's consider when or when not we'd like to take it.
Rain on the first day
You're excited. You want to go out and explore. You are jet lagged, but this new destination is your oyster. But guess what? It's raining. You Google indoor museums, art galleries, etc. but you cannot hide your disappointment. You had big plans and now they are ruined. You can roll with it and spend the day resting up so you can meet the following morning with energy and an extra jam packed itinerary or you can whine about it.
When Richard and I arrived in Bali there was a torrential downpour. The streets were flooded with water up to our knees. We explored the hotel, asked the concierge for feedback on our plans for the week and then walked into the village. When you do not know a place and it's busy, flooding, and rain is slapping you in the face can make it hard to enjoy yourself. So we had to get drinks and find a restaurant where we could enjoy a delicious dinner. Everything worked out. We went to bed early and the next day we were greeted with sunshine. More rain did come that trip, but it made us realize that we needed to get out there snorkel and paddle board as soon as we saw a chance.
Rain on the last day
It's almost time to head home. Tomorrow you will fly back to your job, chores, and regular routine. If you are like Richard you like to take in every last sight, sound, taste, and experience possible. The idea of vacation being over is like the world ending. You make a plan for a busy day out and a wild night out to top it all off. You have that bakery you want to hit up again, that store you walked by that you've been meaning to stop in, that hike you challenged yourself to do and more. But guess what? It's raining.
You can do some of the things on your list. You can find new plans. You can hit the spa, or you can rest and relax after a jam packed week or weeks of sightseeing and adventure. This way you could be more prepared for work and those 2 kids you left at home with grandma. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise? Maybe this is where people find travelling relaxing [side note: we are always more exhausted after a "vacation", we seize every moment].
Our choice?
Rain on the first day. Our excitement and positivity about being somewhere new does not even give rain the time of day. We would much rather make the best of it and have better days ahead to look forward to.
