Making it through the rain

(Photo courtesy of Samtoy Books)

The phrase, of course, means that despite having a difficult time with something (or someone), you have managed to stay strong et cetera, et cetera. But I’m not using it figuratively. A few hours back, I walked around the city in my polo shirt, pants, and loafers whilst drizzling (it was very stupid of me not bringing my coat or a jacket). Talk about making it through the rain. Literally.

I walked my way to the provincial library, dubbed iHub (no, Steve Jobs didn’t donate it; it probably means Information Hub but that’s just a theory). I like it there for one, the interior is beautiful: white walls, black ceiling, colorful chairs and shelves. Secondly, it’s full of books (do not argue; I know of a library that has only three books in it). I picked up Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. I took a seat and gave up after ten minutes of reading it. I have heard reviews that it is a wonderful book and all but I scarcely understand it. I do not know how to explain it but if you happen to find a copy, go on, read it. And you’ll be surprised.

I was in the library for twenty minutes when I decided to have a coffee break at the nearby McDonald’s where I ran into Val, a best friend. We talked for around an hour, probably. We talked about a lot of things: law professors, Christmas programs, running for Student Council, a classmate of mine, and others.

And since it was just three o’clock, I decided to buy books since I’ve nothing to read for Christmas break. I headed for Samtoy Books. Samtoy, which only a few people know, is another term for Ilokanos. It came from “sao mi ditoy” which translates to “our language here”. The bookstore contains mostly works by Filipino authors. It’s sort of a library, too since there are books for inside reading only. Although I had a hard time reaching for those books since they were located at a shelf that I can’t reach. It took me thirty minutes to choose which ones to buy. I had Fahrenheit 451 and Don Quixote: Complete and Unabridged. I’m to classics, you might say.

And of course, I walked myself home in a drizzling afternoon. Why did I not bring an umbrella? I don’t have one. Ride back home? I like brisk walking. Or probably I’m just kuripot.