Katia Goes
In Goa, lightning strikes, the sound of thunder and a warning from your mother to switch off the television before it is struck are all signs that the rain is coming.
Other signs include searching the marketplace for a new pair of waterproof sandals that will compliment all your outfits, while adding to the collection of rainy wear that you've collected over the years, but refuse to reuse.
Not forgetting the trips to the market to purchase a brand new raincoat before shops run out of the best stock of raincoats and umbrellas, and you're left with the not-so-pretty ones.
The sight of men climbing dangerously, but fearlessly on the balcony parapet is another sight to look out for in Goa.
This is done in attempts to tie a tarpaulin sheet to protect the walls of the house from the anticipatory strong winds and rainy water.
Apart from modern houses and flats, roof tiles on older houses are cleaned and fixed, making sure that there is no way for water to leak into the house when it starts pouring.
Thinking ahead, most Goans stock up on Goan sausages and other purument items such as dried fish, chillies, grain, kokum, tamarind and more.
By the end of May, the tea, biscuits and mosquito coils are ready as Goans sit in the balcony and await the rain until the faint scent of petrichor fills the air.
This is the final sign -- the rain is almost here!