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ShareLook beyond the clogged drains and flooded roads and you will discover that the monsoon can be useful and fun too.
Turning a leaf
Monsoon tourism
Harvesting: When it's raining, simply open up the tanks, cover the opening with a clean fabric and let the water flow in.Imagine 50,000 buildings (or whatever the figure is) not needing municipal water for months. Gets that much water off the streets, may be less floods?
Energy: The damage to the retaining walls facing the sea is evidence of the huge amounts of energy being expended.Tap this energy to produce electricity.
Tourism: Spruce up the infrastructure, clean and widen the Mithi, line the banks with native trees, make jetties and let boats ply the rivers. Joyrides, regular public transport, midnight cruises, water sports -- why won't the tourists queue up? -- Bharatram Gaba. Dadar
Go green in rains
Monsoon is my favourite season. The air is so clean that when it stops raining, you can see all the way up to Matheran, with the ghats looking like pale blue cutouts against a denim sky. With the first rains, Mumbai is revived. Trees put out new leaves, the gulmohurs glows gloriously, outshining the newly washed red tile roofs of upper Colaba.I look down from the 16th floor on to red roofs, green palm fronds, red flowers, green leaves. The little back road is carpeted with fallen red flowers, a path fit for a bride. It's the right time to plant a tree on the portions of pavement still bare, time to make Mumbai a little greener. -- Jane Bhandari. Colaba
Rain Couture
Short is sexy
For casual wear, women should stick to linen and cotton jerseys as natural fabrics are always easier on the skin and allow it to breathe. Well-cropped pants with many fun pockets, detailing and thick sash-like ties at the waist are the in-thing. Also, you don't have to worry about soiling the edges.
Short, knee-skimming trousers which are big internationally and flatter most figures, are a good option too. Knee-length skirts in bold teamed with basic tanks in soft cotton-jersey are extremely versatile. This is the season to flaunt your bright tees and tank tops. Accessory wise, a funky bag or a clutch in a bold, happy colour makes a good choice and brightens even the dullest of outfits. -- Dipty Sohoni. Kemps Corner
Flaunt them legs
Have to get to work and meet clients through the downpour?
Pack up those suits and leather bags and get the gum boots and umbrellas out. Shorten those pants and skirts and flaunt them legs. Trade in that black leather bag for a funky plastic one so that all your stuff will stay dry and you can look hip at the same time. The market is flooded with trendy rainproof footwear, so you don't need to worry about your precious Nine West and Marks & Spencer's getting ruined. Big beads and chunky bracelets are in. To avoid a runny situation before that career-changing interview, avoid moisture-based makeup. Wear waterproof mascara with a dab of blush and gloss to look fresh. -- Ritika Sethi. Bandra
Family time
Awesome leave
It was an extended weekend for me. I got to spend five days (from Saturday to Wednesday) with my family. It was such a respite. I had been working long hours for the last few months and this was a pleasant forced leave. I played indoor games suchas scrabble and videogames with my two sons. My kids love watching movies with me, so we caught all the movies we had missed watching together, Narnia, Hanuman, Phir Hera Pheri.
On Tuesday, I whipped up lunch for my family. I'm a good cook, but never get the time. I spent time with my wife too, listening to her complaints, helping her with housework and serving tea in bed. It feels so nice to be with your family. --Vikram Thakur. Andheri
Saas and I bonded
I just don't know how these two days have flown by. After long, I spent time with my daughters. One is five and the other is one. My eldest daughter always complains that I don't spend time with her. I played with her and made her favourite dishes as she is a foodie. I spent time with my mother-in-law, who usually manages the house. I gave her complete rest for two days. We spent time chatting, which surprised my husband as he normally sees us squabbling. I met my friends who stay in the same locality. My husband was home too, so we spent a few loving moments together. On working days, we hardly get any time together. Such holidays strengthen family ties. -- Sunita Jyotish. Dahisar
Fun 'n' Games
Trek in the rain
It seems half of Mumbai is underwater, and the other half is on its way (or that's what they say). So all you can do is sulk at home, right? Wrong.
Perfect time for a trek. The best time to conquer that mountain. Lovely weather and a mysterious terrain call for adventure.
Gone for artificial rain-dance parties all along? How about an original one? Venue: Your terrace or the society ground. Set up a stereo and your friend as the DJ.You can hold a paper-boat making contest. Recall your craft lessons and get some coloured paper and you're all set to fight. If yours is the one that floats the longest, you could give the makers of Titanic a tip or two. Mumbaikars aren't called spirited for nothing, are we? --Akanksha Thakore
Soccer in the muck
The rains throw open several options for entertainment. You can pick up your bike and go for a long ride in the rains.
Presently, nature is at its best and you should make the most of it. Go trekking to Lonavala, Khandala, Malshej Ghat etc. Another option is playing football in the muck is awesome.
At home, you can spend quality time with your family by playing games like scrabble and pictionary.
Watch some fun movies or comedies on DVD. If you still suffer from boredom, your kitchen can come to your rescue (only if you enjoy cooking). Experiment with new delicacies. Nothing can beat the monsoon blues than sipping on tea and having hot pakoras. --Paresh Gandhi. Worli
