It started raining last night here in Phnom Penh. I was at dinner at Mony’s house when it began, first a steady tapping on the metal roof, then harder and harder. I went outside to watch, but it was dark, so I could only smell and hear it. Mony told me that during monsoon season, it rains much harder than that, and every day. Apparently it rained during the night, too, but I was exhausted and slept through it. The evidence in the morning was flooded streets and the brisk air. It’s still drizzling now that I’m at work.
I love the rain. From my house, or from Mony’s, I’ll be able to hear it pattering on the metal roof – the perfect lullaby and gently soothing. It cools the oppressive heat and drowns the dust in the air. From what people tell me, this rain is unusual for Cambodia in March. Ignoring the possible cause of global warming, I’ll enjoy the short respite from the heat of Phnom Penh and watch the clouds drench this city, refreshing it and renewing it.
