I don’t think I’ve gone on a trip where it hasn’t rained at least once. And although I always pack a sturdy umbrella, I don’t carry it with me every day. And of course when I don’t have it, it inevitably rains. What to do?
I’ve bought umbrellas from people who appear out of nowhere with boxes of them after it starts raining. Let’s just say these umbrellas are flimsy: one puff of wind and they turn inside out! Next I go into a souvenir shop and buy another umbrella. But before I’ve walked a block the wind will blow that one inside out, too. So it’s on to another plan.
This time I go into a souvenir shop and buy a plastic poncho. One with a hood. These aren’t particularly attractive, but it doesn’t matter because it keeps me from getting wetter! As a result I have quite a collection of ponchos from trips. My favorite is the one I bought outside Edinburgh Castle that came with a carrying case. I still use it.
The good thing about buying ponchos is that as soon as I buy one, the rain seems to stop. Then I take it off, fold it up, and resume my sightseeing. So my new plan (when I don’t have my umbrella handy) is to buy a poncho right away, because it’s sure to bring the sun back a lot sooner.
Meg Travels 
I like this! I complain that it usually rains when I travel but on reflection I have to agree that this is actually hardly ever and even if it has been wet it has rarely spoilt the trip!
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I agree. And I’ve decided that I like the pictures I took in the rain just as much as my “perfect” weather ones!
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I have left more umbrellas in too many places. I just don’t remember I had one. I drive one around in my car and that is where it is when I am in a place and need to get TO the car. Enjoyed your photos and thoughts today.
Best,
Ruth in Pittsburgh
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Thank you. And I’m pretty sure I’ve never (well, rarely) had an umbrella with me when I actually needed it!
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Your photos are wonderful! The photo after Linderhoff………..where is it taken. So beautiful……I want to go.
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That photo was from Óbidos, Portugal, a walled city. It was a quite a day- sunny one minute, pouring rain the next. And I still remember it!
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Even if it was raining, these places are too beautiful not be enjoyed! I just love the architecture.
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I think that, too. The scenery is beautiful regardless of the weather!
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Sounds just like our travels too!
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It must be part of the adventure of travel… :)
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They make “stuffable” rain jackets that are much more comfortable and better looking than the plastic ponchos. “Stuffable” means that you stuff them back into their own pocket, and zip the pocket closed, leaving a small compact item that is easy to carry, one even has loops to be attached to your belt after it is stuffed.They would easily fit in a large purse or fanny pack, and then you would have it with you no matter what the weather. They also come in handy when the weather cools off more than expected. Oh, and great photos by the way!
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Now that is an excellent suggestion! I see them in stores and I think I’ll have to get one “sometime.” Well, I think the time is now :) And thanks!
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I have had folding umbrellas that seem to last. But then I’m never in a strong wind just rain. If it always rains when you travel maybe you should bring your umbrella with you at all times to insure good weather :-)
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I’m always surprised by those sudden gusts of wind, because I think the umbrellas could withstand the rain. And you’re right-I’ll definitely need a good plan before I head off again!
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I have given up on umbrellas as I have lost so many. I now have a lurid pink raincoat with a hood which folds into one of its pockets and has a strap for carrying it around. Good plan buying a poncho to stop the rain!
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I hope I can find a packable rain jacket that folds up small and is also stylish! It sounds like you’ve found a good solution :)
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Hi,
Beautiful architecture on the buildings, really magnificent. I love the clock, a lot of work has gone into that one.
What a strange building/house in the middle of the 2 roads, I have never seen anything like it, yet it just seems to look right somehow. :D
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The photo of the building you mentioned was taken on a day when the weather changed back and forth from sun to rain many times! But I liked the symmetry of it, too. And the clock photo was from Chester, England, on a beautiful sunny day… :)
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Beautiful photos! Your thoughts on ponchos brought back a memory of a little folded light plastic hat my grandmother kept in her purse and whipped out whenever we were caught in the rain. Much like ponchos, this was far from a great fashion look, but I remember thinking it was clever. I haven’t thought of her funny rain hat in probably thirty years! Ha! I guess it’s just the “be prepared” rule, but no matter how bedraggled I’d look, I’m sure getting caught in the rain in these beautiful settings is only a minor inconvenience–consider a plastic hat next time! Ha! Debra
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That’s a great story Debra! A folding hat would be easy to pack. And you’re right, getting a little wet isn’t that important in the scheme of things… :)
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Meg, I thoroughly agree. If you carry an umbrella or poncho with you it usually insures sunny days…go without one and it pours. I always pack two folding umbrella and think about the added weight in the suitcase but I just can’t bring myself to go without them.
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What a good idea to bring two umbrellas! I’ll bring one and then “forget” to carry it with me. I’ve really got to work on that!
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It is Murphy’s law, the moment you don’t have the umbrella…it rains. the pictures are wonderful as usual; love the colors!
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I’m so glad that you liked them! When I look at the pictures now I don’t think the rainy weather mattered at all. I really only need a dry place to take the pictures!
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Enjoyed your pictures and understand the rain thing.I have kids along and it is never a good thing to be cuaght in the rain.
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It’s kind of disappointing when it rains. I’m sure it gets interesting trying to keep your family from getting wet!
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Very grateful to you for stopping by my blog – it has lead me here and I’ve really enjoyed reading all about your wonderful travels! Thank you!
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You’re welcome! I really enjoyed your blog… :)
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Thanks for liking my blog post. It’s been fun visiting you in return. :)
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It’s so nice to meet new people. And I liked visiting your blog, too!
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I like rain pictures, the colors turn out more vibrant.
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I agree with you! I was sorry that it rained at the time, but now I think the pictures turned out fine… :)
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Such a beautiful destination, even with the rain!!!
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That’s for sure! And I’m going to keep one of those ponchos handy and just admire the scenery :)
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I love rain and I never use an umberella. Just as well I live in England!
Fantastic photos.
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Thank you. And I am so impressed that you don’t use an umbrella! That’s another solution to the question of what to do when it rains, and definitely the easiest… :)
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Sort of the opposite of having it rain as soon as you wash your car. I’ll have to remember to buy a poncho whenever I want the rain to stop.
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Great idea- I think you’re on to something Bongo! I’ll always keep a poncho handy… :)
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Into every sightseeing expedition, a little rain might very well fall. Poncho: perfectly compact, portable, flexible solution (it can shield things besides people in emergencies, too).
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A very sound philosophy, and you even suggest a solution. I like it!
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Oh–and I love the photo of the Linderhof. It looks every bit as beautiful in the mist as in sunshine, and sometimes a bit of overcast actually *enhances* the intensity of a green landscape.
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I remember that the rain and mist made it look a bit mysterious, and maybe even more interesting!
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Beautiful photos and I like your thinking. I’ll need to remember your wise words and buy a poncho when I’m caught in a heavy downpour.
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Hopefully I’ll remember to carry one with me. I’ll have to follow my own advice! And thanks :)
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Awwww, lovely post, Meg. I remember hearing while in Scotland “if it is raining, hang on, because the sun will be out very soon.” How nice it is, though, to bring home an umbrella from another country– I have one from London in the back seat of my car. :)
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Thanks Rachael! An umbrella as a souvenir sounds good. And you can never have too many umbrellas!
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I’ve left a trail of cheap, inside-out umbrellas purchased in desperation. Now I have a long, hooded raincoat that folds up into its own pocket, and it stays with me at all times when we travel in Britain! (Or Oregon, for that matter).
Also, I got a “whoosh” of deja vu when I read Debra’s post above — my grandmothers both had one of those plastic rain hats that folded up in accordion pleats and got tucked into a little plastic sleeve. Wow! Hadn’t thought of those since I was a kid!
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I’m just going to have to find one of those jackets! And the hats-they were from a different generation (yet so practical)… :)
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If I had a dollar for all the umbrellas and ponchos I have bought while traveling I would be much happier than when I notice my collection of both! Beautiful photos of your travels.
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Thank you. And you make a good point about the cost of all those extra umbrellas-not that I would know, because all of mine turned inside out!
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Beautiful photos. I love rainy days and it is nice to know that someone else takes the rain with them when they travel, my family always tell me that I should visit drought affected areas because every time I go on holiday it rains. We bought cheap umbrellas outside the Colosseum, had to be quick though because the Italian police were chasing them, it was hilarious because they were still trying to sell their umbrellas as they were running away and they had the biggest grins on their faces.
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What a great story! I always wondered where the people came from who sell these umbrellas… :) And it rains at least once every time I take a trip. However I have a plan for the future: bring a packable jacket in a pouch!
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Gorgeous photos as ever Meg. I’ve got a family of Disney ponchos somewhere. It certainly rained there!
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Thanks Jo! It does rain a lot at Disney and Orlando, doesn’t it?
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Pack that poncho. (Then you KNOW it won’t rain!) Isn’t that how it always goes? Lovely pictures!
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Thanks! And I’m sure there is a correlation between not having a poncho and having it rain… :)
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Thank you for stopping my blog. Your pictures are great. You inspire me to travel, rain or not.
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Thank you so much! I finally decided not to let a little rain interfere with enjoying a trip. And I really like your blog… :)
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Ponchos are hands free and won’t stick anyone in the eye – more perfect reasons they win over the umbrella. Love your photos and glad to see you won’t let a little moisture ruin your sightseeing efforts.
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You make some very good points about ponchos! Having a poncho makes it easier to take pictures, too. Thanks for those great observations… :)
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My umbrella is NEVER with me when it rains! We have now stopped packing one and like you buy ponchos wherever! Lovely pictures!
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I agree with you on this! I don’t have an umbrella handy anytime I might actually need it… :) And thanks!
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You are so right. The rain always seems to stop as soon as I buy a poncho too, sometimes before i even put it on. That happened once in Portofino!
I love the photo of the clock tower! And thanks for commenting on my blog too!
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Maybe we should just carry ponchos at all times to keep it from raining! And I enjoyed visiting your blog very much… :)
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What an adventure, visiting Edinburgh in the rain makes the trip much better. Lovely photos.
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Looking back, I think Edinburgh was lovely in the rain! And thank you :)
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Stunning photos…When I was in Hong Kong, it rain…so ended up, buying a flimsy one. Thanks for the stop by and liking my most recent post. All the best in your adventurous..Hopefully one day, I get to see the world, like you.
;)
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Thank you! Sometimes I wish I wouldn’t rain while I’m on a vacation. But really it’s just part of the experience… :)
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Love the picture of Linderhof castle! And Chester clock!
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Thanks! When I look at it now I think Linderhof is beautiful even if it’s raining :)
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Try to go & visit Middle East, especially the gulf countries, even in Winter it’s still a dry winter: coldish, but no rain at all….
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I like the idea of not needing an umbrella! Thank you for that great information, I appreciate it!
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