There is a saying in England which goes; ‘the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain’. I can tell you now that it is a lie. The rain in Spain seems to fall mostly on me. I am spending a year in Galicia and, although it is certainly a beautiful part of the world, I think it rains more than in England. And that is pretty impressive.
There are no plains here. It is a coastal area, and clouds and storms get pushed in from over the ocean with force. As I write there is a thunder storm flashing and crashing above my head. I have three umbrellas. Two big ones and a little which I keep on me at all times, just in case. Believe me when I tell you that this is not excessive.
The problem is that very often, umbrellas are not much help. The wind pushes the rain until it is almost horizontal, and the best umbrella in the world becomes useless. And so, often I arrive at work with a dry head and shoulders (protected by my umbrella), but with soaking wet feet and legs. The rain falls hard and fast, and there is no escaping it. I am seriously considering investing in some plastic trousers.
When people from England think of Spain, they imagine tapas and beaches, sunshine and sangria. Those things are a world away from my experiences here in Galicia. But I’m not complaining. It is because of all this rain that the countryside here is so green and beautiful. There may not be sangria, but in the town where I live a very nice white wine called Albariño is made. And there are beautiful beaches here in Galicia, although there probably isn’t anybody sunbathing on them at the moment.
And most important of all is the people. They are very friendly here. Most people I have spoken to have gone out of their way to be helpful and inviting. And I think that’s worth putting up with a bit of rain for.
Does it rain a lot where you live?
