Rainbows in vending machines

When it rains in Hong Kong...it pours. I can't tell you how many umbrellas we now own. There are too many to fit in the umbrella stand that sits outside our door. When we first moved to Hong Kong, I was unaware that a crystal clear blue sky did not mean that it wasn't going to start down pouring 15 minutes later. During the summer months, you can not leave home without your umbrella.

If you do leave home empty handed, do not fret. You can pick up an umbrella at your local MTR (subway) vending machine. When the images of vending machines pop into your mind, most people probably think about snickers, chips, and soda. Me? Oh I now think about umbrellas.

We are not talking about your ordinary black umbrella sold on the streets of Chinatown. We are talking about quality umbrellas that won't flip inside out the second the wind hits them. Better yet, they come in every color of the rainbow.

In Hong Kong umbrellas are not just used to stay dry, they are very often used to block the hot sun. Although I may have yelled once or twice at an old Chinese woman blocking up the entire sidewalk with her umbrella on a sunny day, she actually has a valid point. I mean, my own husband now pops open an umbrella on a hot summer day to shield him from the scorching sun and he's one of the smartest people I know!

I have to admit, I have not purchased mine yet since the lilac color always seems to be sold out. A friend told me she has several of them and they never fail to keep her dry.

Although rainbows in the sky are seldom seen, you can always view one in the local Hong Kong vending machine.