Cures for the rainy-day blues
We recently had our first black rainstorm, so we asked our readers to tell us their favourite thing to do when it rains. Here are 10 of the best responses...
Better you than me
When it is raining heavily, I enjoy staying indoors, looking out of the window and watching the passers-by fighting with the rain and getting wet. That gives me a sense of schadenfreude. It makes me glad to be inside.
Charis Chan Cheuk-Lok, 14, Carmel Secondary School
Race to the finish
When it rains, do you ever just go to the window, select two raindrops that you like, and see which one wins the competition of "racing" to the bottom of the window pane? It might seem childish, but I am sure most of you have tried it before. Don't lie.
Christy Cheung, 16, St Paul's Co-educational College
Alone in the city
Go out anyway. Why not? The shops will be almost empty, and there won't be pesky kids crowding the malls.
Wincy Leung, 18, King George V School
A time for sadness
My favourite thing to do when it rains is cry. Tears are colourless, and so are raindrops. Therefore, crying while it is raining makes my sadness and sorrow seem non-existent.
Sebastian Wong, 16, Po Leung Kuk Vicwood K.T. Chong Sixth Form College
No work, all play
I wish for a black or red rainstorm signal on a school day. What more could you want?
Bakhita Fung, 14, Island School
Simple pleasures
As silly as this may sound, I just like to step outside and splash the rainwater all over the place, while picturing myself as Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain. It's such a liberating feeling when you don't have a care in the world and aren't afraid to show your true colours. It's similar to how the rain cleanses away all the impurities from the atmosphere. Letting go of all kinds of fears helps us understand our own personalities and identities a lot better.
Veronica Lin, 15, Shenzhen College of International Education
Peace and comfort
The best thing to do when it rains is grab my favourite book with a nice cup of hot coffee, turn on my favourite soundtracks or watch some movies online while listening to the rain drops on my window outside. I'm constantly feeling as if I'm living in the fast lane and seeing everything like a blur. However, on rainy days, it's as if everything goes in slow motion, and it gives me a chance to appreciate everything as it comes. And I just really enjoy myself in my little private world.
Gigi Wong, 16, Law Ting Pong Secondary School
Dream a little dream
My favourite thing to do when it rains is … (drumroll) sleep. The relaxing sound of the rain calms me down and makes me sleepy. So I just give in to the temptations and drift off.
Naz Iraj, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong
Safe as houses
Stay at home, turn on the television and watch movies with my loved ones. Because I think when it rains, accidents happen easily. I think my home is the safest place in the world.
Celia Ng, 16, Law Ting Pong Secondary School
Comfort food
My favourite thing to do when it rains is to pop down to the local supermarket for supplies before a home baking session. There is nothing more relaxing and delicious than freshly baked cookies or cupcakes on a gloomy rainy day, alongside hot chocolate and your favourite book. Bliss!
Belinda Ng, 15, South Island School
Next week:
Summer is coming, and with it comes the biggest season for big Hollywood movies. For our next Top 10, tell us which movie you're most looking forward to seeing this summer, whether in the cinema or at home. Send your answer, together with your name, age and school, to [email protected] with "Top 10" in the subject field. The best ones will be published on our next Top 10 page!