April is the season of sideway snow in Chicago which usually comes down full force on opening day at Wrigley Field. But in Kunming, it’s spring. We’re talking 80 beautiful degrees and sunshine. Lots of it.
The sun can cook you quicker than a wok, which leaves you three options. The first is to be a human eggroll, regardless of the amount of sun block you slather on your skin.
The second is to wear one of those Chinese hats that that looks like an umbrella.
They work, but you risk getting blown away like the Flying Nun.
The third is to invest in a sunbrella.
In other words, an umbrella used to protect you from the sun.
At first I thought Chinese women were crazy walking around with open umbrellas on gorgeous days. But then I got one. It’s like having an unfoldable shady tree in your bag that you can pop open in an instant.
The sunbrella designs are cooler than Mary Poppin’s lacy parasol.
Some of the carrying cases are clever, too. One (not pictured) was shaped like a bunny. With one quick zip, you could transform it into instant shield from the sun.
Some women keep them open on the bus to block the beating sun coming in through the windows.
There are shops dedicated to selling sunbrellas.
Also, Kunming’s high-end department stores such as the Golden Eagle and Parskons, have sunbrella sections.
You can pay anything from $2 to $120. They can have sequins, lace, UV protection and frills.
Of course, the more you pay, the more likely you are to leave it on the bus.