So yesterday afternoon, we went shopping.

The mall had like 7-8 levels and you walked around up the spiral, walking by each shop.  

But then… it started raining.  And some stores were flooded so we left.

The rain was like fat and wet raindrops that actually kind of hurt when they landed on you.  I had to take off my shoes because they were filled with water. 

We finally got back to the car and tried to drive home… but the streets were flooded.

I’ve never seen that much rain in my life before, but local people say it happens every year.  And because the city is flat land surrounded by mountains (like a bowl), a lot of other low level homes and stores were flooded terribly as well.  I can’t imagine what villagers in rural areas must face with so much rain and the additional possibility of mudslides and lack of proper sanitation and clean food and water.  

At least the air smelled better this morning.