Condensation hugged the windows, shielding us in from the world outside. You could taste the rawness in the air and feel the cold penetrating through tanned flesh. Goosebumps rose in multitudes as we exited the car, making our way into the welcoming arms of Sam and his family, up the flight of stairs, and into bed while the AC vented out warmness instead of coolness for the first time in six months. Aside from two days of mild rain, and a few brisk European fall weeks, we hadn’t really encountered weather like this… weather like home. And I have to admit, with all the exposure to sunny, humid climates, I was at first a bit hostile to the big grey clouds and conspicuous rain puddles lining the streets―especially so, were my feet.
Not having worn sneakers since Morocco (back in early December) the close confines of the seemingly suffocating shoes were foreign to me. It was like my feet revolted against that which wasn’t open and spacious. A great itching began and as I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to loosen up the laces I noticed they were barely even tied. Confusion and agitation battled for the limelight across my face, leaving in its wake an exasperated sigh. Pulling down my socks I was confronted with a faint tinge of red that was joined with an unprecedented sting. Ignoring as best I could, I ran to catch up with my family who were insouciantly walking and enjoying our first day in Yangshou. It wasn’t long later when my feet finally came to accept this strange, exterior necessity and I was able to happily bask in the change of scenery.
Much like Seattle and much unlike the rest of our trip, the weather in Yangshuo, China is very unpredictable. This time of year you can ambiguously try to expect mostly light, sometimes heavy, rain showers and the occasional clearing of sun whenever the clouds didn’t feel like releasing their deluge. The people in this city are all very well equipped. From handles on their bicycles to hold umbrellas when needed, to tarps covering themselves and their motorbikes while they commute to and from, to handing out free ponchos at their nightly shows no matter what the sky seems to reveal. Everyone here knows how to manage amongst the wetness. Though a ten degrees warmer or so and slightly more humid than Seattle, we all can’t help but feel at home and welcome the rainy, overcast days with a tentative but friendly smile.
People are equipped with all sorts of umbrellas for walking, biking and scootering!
Umbrellas! Umbrellas! Umbrellas! nobody here wears a raincoat instead they just tote around umbrellas.
Puddles? Haven’t seen them in a while… *notice that tuck is wearing flip-flops
View from our B&B (a.k.a Fun Sam’s). A little hard to see, but outside it was pouring rain!!
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