The rain in Spain falls mainly in Santiago
- Haylie Butler
- Apr 26, 2018
- 2 min read
Pit pat. Drip drop.
I’m sitting in my bed next to my large, typical Galician window watching as the rain trickles slowly down the pane.
It’s 4PM and I’ve rested during what has become my obligatory siesta time after school.
The rain pools just outside the glass and remembering the poor insulation my flat has, I preemptively put some paper towels down to catch the condensation that will no doubt enter my interior window sill and leave a nice layer of mold.
At this point, it’s something more comical than frustrating.
Don’t get me wrong—I LOVE rain (or so I thought before living here in Santiago 7 months). But when I say it rains all the time, I mean it rains ALL THE TIME.
Back in October, I remember asking Loli (the short and spunky science teacher who drives me to school each morning) when the rain would begin. I had been told when I arrived to expect a steady downpour between the months of October and April.
We were driving our normal 45 minute route to Dodro on a beautiful Wednesday morning and the sun was just starting to peek out from behind the forested green hills.
She immediately let out a roaring laugh and said, “Oh, you’re going to regret asking me that in a month or two. Enjoy the sun while it lasts. One year—I believe it was three years ago—I didn’t see a bit of sunlight for 5 months straight. The day it came out we took the kids outside and taught our classes in the grass.” ~~all in español, of course
Well, here we are now. 7 months later. And Loli was right.
I’ve purchased 5 umbrellas. Lost 4. Grown accustomed to running in the rain. And somewhat enjoy sitting on my bed and watching raindrops hit my window between the hours of 3 and 4PM.
However, we (all of Santiago!) are definitely in need of some good vitamin D!!
While I find it endearing—the constant downpour, dreary skies, and general lack of sun—it’s time for some real spring weather. As the pilgrims on the Camino start to flood into the city during the busy season, so will the sunlight. I can feel it!!
Thank you Santiago for giving me a lesson in sun appreciation (because going to school in Worcester, MA didn’t already!! HAHA). Cali, I miss you dearly, and I’m coming for you soon!
Pit pat. Drip drop. Caio!
Haylie
