Petrichor

In Malaysia, rain is not just weather — it is a mood, a memory, a rhythm of life.

I just learned a new word today.  [ “petrichor” ]  Yes! The smell when it rains has a special name. That fresh, earthy scent is called “petrichor”. I love the smell of petrichor, its just so refreshing and always lifts my mood. 

The rainy season arrives like an old friend who doesn’t knock. One moment the sky is clear, and the next it is painted in shades of grey, the clouds heavy with unshed tears. Then, without warning, it pours. The sound of rain hitting rooftops, roads, and leaves is both chaotic and calming — a familiar song every Malaysian knows by heart.

There is something strangely comforting about rainy days here. The air feels cooler. The world slows down. The streets glisten under the reflection of streetlights. The smell of wet earth rises, fresh and grounding, like nature’s own perfume. Trees bend and dance with the wind, and puddles become mirrors of the sky above. Wah Wah!!!

Of course, the rainy season brings its challenges too — flash floods, traffic jams, muddy shoes, and cancelled plans. Umbrellas become our daily companions, and we learn the art of dodging surprise showers. Yet, even in the inconvenience, there is beauty. Rain teaches patience. It teaches us to pause, to adapt, to appreciate the warmth of our homes, and the safety of shelter.

For children, rain is an invitation to run, splash, and laugh barefoot in the puddles. Sad as time passes, we get more afraid to get in the rain. Either the our immune can't candle it or the rain may be acidic.

For adults, it’s an excuse to slow down, sip something warm, and look out the window lost in thought. It’s a reminder that life, like rain, comes in waves — some heavy, some light — but always with a purpose.

It’s a mixed feeling for me… In our rushing lifestyle, we sometimes forget to take a breather. The recent rainstorms are a reminder to slow down, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and sit on the veranda to feel some raindrops. The petrichor smell - calming my nerves...