Rain Walking in Macau

Right now I am huddled next to a building on a cobblestone street in Macau, China occupying one of the only dry spots around. I knew when I stepped out of the front door in Hong Kong this morning that I should grab an umbrella. Not wanting to inconvenience myself with a one minute delay, however, I made the much wiser choice and opted for damp clothes and bargaining with grouchy PohPohs (Chinese for Grandma) over umbrella prices.

It may seem that no skill is necessary in the sport of "rain walking." To the Chinese it only seems second nature. The skill involved is one that any person living in even mildly breathable surroundings would never think about. I'm talking about umbrella dodging. With the millions of people packed into pockets of China, any rainy day promises quality entertainment.

From above a crowded street it looks as if thousands of colorful balls are fighting their way through an assembly line at Toys R Us hoping to be the first to touch the desperate hands of a waiting child. On the ground the underside has a different view. Thousands of flustered faces make their ways through a maze of people, raising and lowering their lead hands so as not to collide their umbrellas with those of the passers-by. When the timing is occasionally off, however, and there is a *raise*raise* instead of a *raise*lower*, the collision is bound to bring a distasteful look and maybe a few snide remarks. With only a few seconds delay they are off again, finding their groove, hoping to be free of any more inconvenient encounters before reaching their final destinations.

Next time you're in China and it begins to rain, don't stay in. Grab an umbrella and join the game.