And the Heavens Opened Wide

So I am on my way home. I am walking down the mountain enjoying my iPod and looking around. I am listening to the British band, Delirious, when a car pulls up behind me. I notice it is a colleague offering me a ride home. I graciously decline, because I am enjoying the day. I continue walking when a song begins and I start singing along, "...Rain down on me." Next thing I know I feel a drop and then two and then three drops of rain hit my head. No problem. I pull out my compact size umbrella and keep moving.

It wasn't a minute later and hail was coming down. This was one of those "Texas-sized" storms where they come quick, drown the sewer system, and flood the streets. My little umbrella went down like a light weight at an all you can eat catfish buffet. So I have a choice. Hide under a tree until the rain stops (which could be a minute or a day later) or catch a cab to take me the two kilometers home. Nice try, there is never a cab available during a rainstorm in Bogota. So, I choose to walk home. The walk home is all down hill and the river is flowing with me. All I needed was an inner tube and some sunscreen. My shoes were soaked, pants started to stick, and my umbrella, whimpering, wanted to hide under my coat.

Cars go by and I get soaked, and I know that I saw a five year-old imp laughing at me from inside a little French car. Cars were honking and swerving away from and towards me. "Look at that gigantic gringo swimming," was what they were thinking. But that is okay. God takes care of my needs. 1) He sent a car to take me home moments before the rain started, but I declined the favor. 2) He heard my song of rain to come down on me and He obliged. He is funny. I see the irony.

I finally got home and the doorman laughed. I made it to my apartment and our maid treated me like a wet dog. I was wet, but I got into the shower to warm up. My clothes were hang drying and my shoes are going to spend the weekend in the guest shower. It was a good day to start the Holiday Season in Bogota.

P.S. The picture doesn't do this adventure justice.