Hi Lore,

Usually no. I've flown a lot and while business class is better than economy, flying in general is miserable, and gets more miserable each year. 

Everything is good with me. NYC was flooded today. Looking at pictures of the subways, streets, and LaGuardia airport. I guess budget cuts affect maintenance and nobody notices right away.  

In that spirit, are you more likely to carrry an umbrella when it isn't needed, or not have one when it is?

No reason for this. 

Hi Paul

Wow!!! That is so dangerous. I hope everyone is ok. I know very little about electricity, etc., but when you talk about a subway being flooded that is the first place my mind goes. How do people in the water not get electrocuted? Is this a concern or do I just not know about electrical issues. This happened in Lisboa this past Winter. Other contributing factors, but it was terrible. Hopefully you didn’t get caught up in this! 
 

I seem to be most often caught without an umbrella . It seems to also be my insurance if it is raining when I leave and I’m hoping for the sun to come out, I grab my umbrella and soon, it gets sunny and I’m carrying my umbrella . In Portland, it is a way to tell if someone is from there or not. If they have an umbrella they are most likely not from the PNW. It’s some odd cultural sign of weakness or something to use one, lol. 
 

You are in one of the most fabulous cities in Europe (any) and it starts pouring rain, do you continue on with your sightseeing or go back to your hotel? 
 

Ok, that’s a bit of a lame choice but I’m not firing with all pistons today 

I continue, maybe drop into a bar or coffee house, but wouldn't go back to my hotel.

When you first enter a bar do you have a go-to drink you order, or do you look at what is available?

Hi Lore. What I read is that water is electrified by the 3rd rail, causing it to boil and setting floating debris on fire. It also short-circuits the electrical signals and switches, making it dangerous for the operator to know when to go or stop. But the stations are 4 feet high so not likely to electrocute anyone. I guess water could splash up. If it is that bad, people avoid it. The numerous rats probably also climb up.  Too bad they all don't drown.