Rain, rain, go away!
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day! This is the start of a nursery rhyme that Istillchantas an adult. You might not expect to need to use it in August but as you read in mypenultimatepost – English weather is veryfickle!
The other day I was camping for my friend’s birthday. During the daytime, it was perfect BBQ weather but at midnight the rain began. Weleaptinto our tents andchatted awaywhilst itpoured down. I really loved waking up to thepitter-patterof rain, almost as much as I loved my friend for bringing us'tent service'– avocado toast and a croissant in the morning.
Yesterday Igot backhome from Ramsgate, a seaside town. On our first day there we went to the beach, but it began tochuck it downwithin 20 minutes! Most my friendslegged itto the pub but a few of us stayed and swam in the rain. It was glorious! I was surprised because the sea was veryclear- I could see my feet if I looked down. The otherssheepishlyreturned afterwards and joined us. If you get thechance, I would definitely recommend swimming in the rain, let me know in the comments if you have or haven’t done it before.
glossary
1. Still (do something) (adverb)
To continue to do something which is perhaps surprising. Another example is: Do you still work there?
2. To chant (verb)
To say or shout something repeatedly
3. Penultimate (adjective)
Last but one in a series
4. Fickle (adjective)
To change frequently and/or suddenly. This can also be used to describe people
5. To leap (verb)
To make a large jump from one place to another
6. Tent (noun)
A portable shelter supported by poles
7. To chat away (phrasal verb)
To chat is to speak in a friendly informal way. Adding the preposition ‘away’ does not change the meaning but emphasises the length of time people are chatting for
8. To pour down (phrasal verb)
To rain heavily
9. Pitter-patter (noun)
The sound of rain or of quick steps
10. Tent service (noun)
This is a play on ‘room service’ which is a service provided in a hotel allowing guests to order food and drink to their room
11. To get back (phrasal verb)
To return to a place from somewhere else.
12. To chuck it down (idiom)
To rain heavily
13. To leg it (phrasal verb)
To run quickly
14. Clear (adjective)
Transparent and easy to see through
15. Sheepishly (adverb)
To do something in an embarrassed way
16. Chance (noun)
Opportunity (in this context)
