It Ain't Gonna Rain No More, No More

We had some really good rain here and I was lucky enough to be out walking in it. Albert and I met for a quick drink Thursday afternoon. The conversation and company was enough to make Thursday a very good day. We then headed in different directions. I stepped into El Corte Inglés near the Church of La Magdalena to pick up some candles. The rain had started to come down heavily, but I had my trench coat, my ankle boots, and my umbrella. Not a problem. When I left the store 10 minutes later, almost every pedestrian had taken shelter either beneath the broad overhang outside El Corte Inglés or in the nearest doorway.

JUST BEFORE THE WINDS PICKED UP AND IT BEGAN TO RAIN SIDEWAYS.

That didn't stop me. I've been dying to take a walk in the rain. If I hadn't had my camera, phone, and wallet with me, I would have kept the umbrella folded and simply immersed myself completely. I headed gleefully into the storm with a smile so broad my face hurt. The rain increased and the wind started to blow. It seemed to be raining sideways. Within two minutes, my jeans were completely soaked to above my knees. My shoes had developed puddles in their soles. Even my water-resistant trench coat was showing signs of failure. I reached the next store overhang and waited with others more rational than I. It eased up a bit and I headed (happily) back out. I reached home and, although I wanted to keep walking, there was a pavement-shaking crack of thunder and then the entire plaza glowed in the flash of lightning. San Geraldo's great-grandmother was struck and killed by lightning. I knew he'd be worried. Time to get myself safely inside.

WHILE I WAITED WITH THE MUCH WISER PEDESTRIANS.
(SOME MAJOR PHOTOSHOPPING TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE I PICKED UP MY COLOR PENCILS.)

It had already been raining much of Tuesday and Wednesday, and it continued to come down Thursday night. Although I was in heaven, San Geraldo (no fan of storms and especially not of lightning) was not a happy camper. Rather than incur the wrath of San Geraldo, the goddess decided to bring back the sunshine today. I went out for lunch with a new expat friend I just met via my blog. So, I had two beautiful walks and two great afternoons. Rain and shine.

LUNCH TODAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF EL ARENAL.
WARMTH, SUNSHINE, AND GOOD COMPANY.

OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT AFTER LUNCH. THESE KIDS WERE ADORABLE, UNTIL THE ONE
IN THE BLINDFOLD THOUGHT SHE "FOUND" HER FRIEND AND SLAPPED A PASSER-BY IN THE CROTCH.