You know the rainy season is here when you keep count of how many days it’s been since you last folded up your trousers and waded through gushing water. Usually it’s no more than two. This time of year can be a pain in the arse for Bangkokians. Not only do we need to think about stacking sandbags in front of our homes, but we also face the moral dilemma of whether the flooding is bad enough to warrant you skipping out on work. Guru has compiled a few tips to make your lives a little easier (and drier) this time of year -- and no, none of them includes migrating (ahem, evacuating) to higher ground.
Umbrellas -- the bigger, the better
Instead of buying those tiny cheap things that turn inside out in every stiff(ish) breeze, opt for the golfer-style umbrellas that can fit about four people underneath. They might be a pain to carry around, but you’ll be grateful when the storm hits and your perm is still intact.
Stay light on your feet
When the rain hits, cockroaches come out to party like it’s Songkran. We have yet to figure out how to push the disgusting little creatures into extinction, but we can certainly practise some footwork drills to stay nimble and agile -- and avoid crushing the little buggers with our feet.
Waterproof your stuff
And we mean everything. Your phone, your money -- even your head. Worry not if you can’t be bothered to buy a fancy waterproof phone case or a proper raincoat -- plastic bags from 7-Eleven, zipper bags from Ikea, bin liners, shower caps and tupperware all work in a pinch.
Invest in proper footwear
Raggedy shoes and old flip-flops aren’t going to withstand a downpour -- and will probably float away when you attempt to wade through the flooded streets of Asok. Wellies are one option, but if you don’t want to add the “Paddington Bear” into your look-book, just go for shoes that strap around your ankles.
Always hit “save”
You heard the thunder, you saw lightning and now you’re just waiting for the sky to chuck it down. Then, the next thing you know, a day’s worth of work has been destroyed, thanks to a power outage. So make sure you frequently save your work, unless you want to be staring at a blank Excel spreadsheet at 5pm.
Spot them dark clouds
You don’t have to be a member of The Cloud Appreciation Society, nor be able to distinguish a cirrus uncinus from a cirrocumulus stratiformis. But if it’s dark and rolling in your direction, start the car and get going. You might just save yourself a few hours on your journey home.
Switch on “hibernation” mode
Instead of becoming frustrated with trying to wriggle your way through traffic jams caused by rain, why not stock up on Mama noodles, stay in and catch up on TV series? We’ve decided the “antisocial” label is not applicable during the rainy season.
Roll ‘em & fold ‘em
It may be fashionable to wear maxi dresses or trousers that are about three inches too long, but let’s not forget that horrid feeling of walking around a freezing shopping mall in soaking wet clothes. When in doubt, roll up and fold up -- you might just stay dry for the entire day.
