…it’s extremely confusing. Hosepipe ban? Flooding? What’s happening? More importantly, it’s ruining the summer. Yes, yes, we have long days, light evenings, hell, it gets dark at 10.30 most evenings. Perfect for after-work drinks with friends, impromptu barbecues for dinner…BUT – how can we do this when this god damn rain keeps falling? And not just drizzling. (On a separate note, we are the only language that has a word for constant light rain. Probably because we are the only bloody country that has the stuff.)
It’s raining, pelting it down ALL the time. I know English people are known for talking about the weather, but that’s because there is a reason to talk about it. It’s so depressing! Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things to do in the rain – Cornwall B&B owners ‘Bedknobs B&B’ have had a brainwave and created this site for every Cornish B&B owner – http://www.101-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-cornwall.co.uk which, as we have seen recently, could be the case for most of your trip away.
Even our nation’s capital has organised themselves for this very problem. TimeOut have a whole section devoted to it! http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/1365/rainy-day-london.
But, and that’s a big BUT, when you are forced to look at the situation properly, actually, London has a lot to offer that can all be spent in the warm and dry. We have the best museums and galleries in the world, we have a fantastic choice of wonderful, talented, clever plays and musicals on the West End – and then where to eat and drink? SO many places to choose from – whatever your taste – and as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, even if you get sick of the English food, you can bet your bottom dollar you will be able to find cuisine from nearly ever nation in the world. And all in walking distance or a short tube ride from each other!
We are a society which has been brought up to don the ‘smile-we-ARE-having fun-we’re-BRITISH’ even if we are picnic-ing in torrential downpours. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. There’s something quite patriotic about walking down the road and nodding with shock at complete strangers because the sun is actually out!
Give me a 99 with a flake and pass me my wellies. I’ll put my hood up.