I was stuck without an umbrella when it started to come down, so I worked my way down toward the subway, stopping in a new store after a quick jaunt in the rain. Each store had its own set of refugees. I'm sure this happens in the US too, of course. But there's something to be said about people huddled in one area, all taking refuge from something they can't control. They look out expectantly, hoping for the rain to let up so that they can be on their ways again.
After about three store fronts I found someone selling umbrellas. I bought one for 10 RMB about 1.46 USD (I didn't even bargain so you know I overpaid). I saw umbrellas on sale this morning in a 711, but they were 29 RMB about 4.33 USD. That was way too expensive.
With umbrella in hand, I set out for the subway. Each store front I passed had a new scene of people gathered close together waiting for the rain to stop. Staring up and out hopefully. It was just a great feeling it gave me. I made it to the entrance to the subway and there was maybe one hundred people all in the same boat. Stuck. It was just quite a site to see all those people not wanting to go back out in the rain, drenched, and waiting. Some squatting, standing, lingering. Rather than taking the subway, I opted for a bus, a much slower and more outdoor experience.
I like to be outside when it is storming like this. Especially in Beijing. The rain here makes me feel a heartlifting warmth. It's like new life for the city; the city looks so much cleaner when it really comes down. And I think I feel the city take a breath. I know it's a little lame, it's just a bunch of feelings I can't really explain. It just felt so good to be outside waiting for my bus in a downpour. After 25 minutes my bus finally came. And by then, the rain had stopped. The city was fresh rinsed and I was there to enjoy it all.
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