Life in Góis Sept 2008
Life in Góis August 2008
Life in Góis July 2008
Life in Góis June 2008
Life in Góis May 2008

September 5th
The day the rains came! Suddenly, and dramatically, we have been engulfed by a huge grey cloud that hurls the water down upon us. It feels as if the summer is over, as we all scuttle indoors to observe the weather from a safe, dry distance. Those who have no choice but to venture out do so under the protection of a large umbrella – at least the rain here falls reasonably vertically, and your brolly isn’t likely to get blown inside-out. The Portuguese take umbrellas very seriously – every shop and café has a wet-umbrella holder by the door on days like these. It is unusual to see the discreet telescopic variety of umbrella around these parts – the residents of Góis favour the more substantial model, preferably with a good wooden handle that can be hooked over your arm or even, if you’re a bloke who needs to keep his hands free, into the back of your jacket collar!
But we welcome the rain for one very good reason – the ground had become so dry that dust clouds have been billowing up like smoke down our driveway, and the garden was parched despite our best efforts with the hose. It is great to see the ground have a really good soaking, and to know that it is also helping to replenish the rivers and springs on which this region depends. We know the sun will be back in a day or two!