When the city slows down

A city usually feels like it is always in hurry.

People are walking quickly, cars are constantly moving, shops are opening and closing, and everyone seems to have somewhere to be.
Even when nothing particularly important is happening, there is a certain speed to every day city life. Then it start raining and somehow that speed changes.

Rain can make a busy city slow down within a few minutes. People who were walking normally suddenly started looking for shelter. Those who are carrying bags try to protect them from getting wet. People who have a umbrella take them out, while those without one start searching for shops, Metro Station or any covered space nearby.
Walking also feels different. During normal weather, people may not think twice about crossing a road or taking a shortcut.
In heavy rain, even small things become more complicated. You have to avoid puddles, look for dry parts and make sure your clothes and shoes do not get completely wet.

The rain also change the way people interact with their surroundings. People who normally ignore each other suddenly shares the same small shelter. Strangers stand under shop entrance, bus stop, Metro Station or building roofs and Waiting for the rain to become lighter. Nobody planned to be there together, but for a few minutes, everyone has the same problem.

I think there is something interesting about that.
A city can feel very individualistic when everyone is busy with their own lives. But rain creates a temporary situation where everyone has to slowdown and adjust.

Even shops can feel different during rain.
A small tea stall may suddenly become crowded because people want something warm. Cafes and shops with covered space may fill up with people waiting for the weather to improve. Roads become quieter in some places and more chaotic in others.

The sounds of the city also change. Instead of hearing only traffic, horns and conversations, there is the sound of rain falling on roof, roads, trees, and Windows. Sometimes the rain is so heavy that it is almost covered every other sound.
What I find most interesting is that the city does not actually stop. It’s simply change its rhythm. People still have to reach work, student still have to get home, shops still have to function and we vehicles still have to move. Everyone continues with their day, but they do it more slowly and carefully.

Rain reminds us that a city, no matter how modern or busy it is, it still affected by something as simple as weather.

For a few hours, people have to adjust their plans and accept that they cannot control everything. The city may returns to its usual speed once the rain stops, but during those rainy moments everything feels slightly slower and beautiful at the same time.

Maybe that is why rain change the experience of a city so much. It does not completely stop everyday life of people. It just simply makes everyone notice the pace which they are living in.