Lauren Tivey

“Don’t threaten me with love, baby. Let’s just go walking in the rain”.
~ Billie Holiday

The East Asia rainy season (Chinese: 梅雨 méiyǔ), also known as the Meiyou Front, or the Plum Rain season, begins annually during late spring and early summer between eastern China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, when the plums are ripe.  There is an old saying about the season: “When the rain falls on the ripe plums, there follows 40 rainy days” (Noah and his ark, anyone?).  Though the poetic name “Plum Rain” calls to mind a rather magical, mystical time, it most decidedly is NOT: the climate is characterized by yes, copious amounts of rain, but also wretched, sweltering humidity.  Best dress for such an occasion?  Rubber boots and a bathing suit.  Best accessories?  An umbrella and a big bottle of anti-depressants.  Since I don’t have any happy pills, and we’re only halfway through the season, color me blue.  I need sunshine, and I need it badly.  In the meantime, I guess I’m off for another walk in the rain…