Umbrellas

Going back a little into the past, I remember that it was not strange in Columbus from around May to see girls that were walking around campus carrying an open umbrella that protected them from the Sun. It was something that reminded me of those movies about the beginnings of the 20th century. There was something in common to all those girls. All were asian. Opposite to western thinking, it looked like they either didn't want to get burned or wanted a milk-white skin.

The amount of sunny days that I have been able to experience here is not so large as in Barcelona, or Columbus, but as soon as there is some Sun, many girls can be seen walking around with an open umbrella (never boys, of course), shielding themselves from the Sun.



And it is not necessary that it is very sunny, because the 12 or 13 degree latitude difference to the South is perceptible in how strongly the Sun burns. There is a noticeable difference early in the morning between walking under some nice trees or crossing the unprotected "wastelands". The difference between coolness or feeling how sweat runs down your back. So, I do not know if they carry the umbrellas because of the skin or not, but just the heat protection makes it a not so weird idea.

I probably should star wearing a cap.